ILLINOIS JUDO NEWSLETTER – IPPON!!!

ILLINOIS JUDO NEWSLETTER – IPPON!!!

January 22, 2009

President: Tim Schultheis

VP: Chuck Clark

Secretary: Mary Gail Ford

Treasurer: Frank Oliveri

Editor: Kei Narimatsu

THIS NEWSLETTER MAY BE PASSED ON TO ANYONE IN YOUR ADDRESS BOOK WHO MIGHT NOT GET THIS DIRECTLY FROM THE EDITOR. I DO NOT ALWAYS HAVE CURRENT EMAIL ADDRESSES BUT CLUB INSTRUCTORS, STATE PRESIDENTS AND OTHERS MAY WANT TO LET THEIR MEMBERS HAVE THIS AS WELL. PLEASE DISTRIBUTE AS YOU WISH. IF THOSE INDIVIDUALS WISH TO GET THIS EMAIL FIRST HAND, PLEASE CONTACT ME AT knarimatsu@microlamps.com with subject: Add to Illinois Judo Newsletter

Illinois Judo Newsletter – IPPON!! is the voice of Illinois Judo, sent whenever convenient to members of Illinois Judo and other interested parties. All articles and content are the opinion of the editor unless otherwise noted and do not reflect the opinion of Illinois Judo, its officers or members. Information is gathered from various sources expressly sent for distribution. Contents may contain inaccurate information. If anyone can correct any inaccuracies, they will be published as soon as possible. Information presented will be of a general nature only and will not promote any national organization except USJI/USA Judo or any of its state governing bodies. Tournament and clinic notifications will be made for all organizations and will be guaranteed posted if sent to the editor in electronic format ONLY and in a timely manner. Illinois Judo will make every effort to respect your privacy and never sell, trade, or otherwise abuse the privilege of serving you via this e-mail newsletter.

Cancellation: We're committed to Permission Distribution, so if you prefer not to receive the IPPON!!!, simply send a blank e-mail to knarimatsu@microlamps.com or hit reply with unsubscribe-IPPON in the subject line. You will be omitted from my list FOREVER. It is also appreciated if you would indicate your name in the tag line. I do not use email addresses to segregate emails, only real names. Thank you.

Contents:
EDITORIAL – Rules are Rules

Referee Corner – The Sokuteiki

Local News

Something to Think About –

Upcoming Events

USA Judo Life Members

USA Judo News

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EDITORIAL –

New International Rules – Rules are rules. They are to create a level playing field. The IJF generally brings out new interpretations about every 4 years, right after the Olympics Games. 2009 is no exception. There may be some mid-quad corrections like the edge rule in 2006. There have been some pretty significant rules interpretation, over the years, but I believe all have enhanced the game.

There are two types of rules changes that we need to figure out. Substantive changes and Interpretational changes. Substantive changes might be defined as those that dramatically change the game of Judo or how it is played. To be honest, I do not think there have been really that many substantive changes made in the time I have been a referee. A player must still win by throwing an opponent with control, to the ground with speed and force and largely on their back OR holding their opponent in Osae waza (pins) for a defined period of time or making an opponent submit by shime (choking) or kansetsu (armlock) techniques OR winning by penalties. Have there been changes as to what constitutes an Ippon, or how much time it takes to win by Osae waza? Yes, of course. Has it enhanced the game? In my opinion, it has by creating more dynamic action and excitement in this sport.

In looking over some very old memorabilia, I came across a program

CUBA vs. CHICAGO

JUDO
TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP

TOURNAMENT

Dated July 12, 1953. It was held at the Lawson YMCA. On the back of the programs (one sheet, folded in half) were the rules to be followed:
“Any one of the following decisions will credit the contestant with points.

Throws: Perfect throw (the opponent must be thrown flat on his back) 1 point. Incomplete throw scores ½ point.

Mat Work: A pin of 30 seconds with a standard hold or 25 seconds when holder has ½ point, 1 point.

Chokes or Locks: Until the opponent submits, with two hand”

Pretty simple stuff back then. Yes, the rules have changed since then, substantively and interpretationally as well. But of course life was simpler back then.

I can remember stories about the World Championships in the 50’s. At that time, heavy weights only need apply. Matches were 10 minutes in length and minutes would go by with nary a movement of either contestant. If the match resulted in no score, another 10 minute time was allotted for overtime (no sudden death, mind you – a full ten minutes). At the end of 20 minutes then, with still no score, the decision would be left up to the judges and referees. My guess is that the players were not sweating at all during any of the 20 minutes. Pretty boring if you ask me.

During this time, and I am aware of this, there were essentially two scores: Ippon and Waza-ari. None of this yuko or koka nonsense, and very few if any penalties. In order to get a score certain criteria would have to be met. A throw would have to be taken out of the Kodokan Gokyo No Waza technique book – no variation please. If you could not name it, it was not a score. A throw would have to result in serious injury to the opponent (figuratively - somethimes). Blood coming our of their nostrils might qualify. The mat would generally have an indentation in the mat, the spectator in the upper bleachers would have to feel the impact of the throw through ground tremor creeping up the floor and stands of the Shiai-jo and the tori would have to have the loudest kiai (shout) so as to wake the referees, judges and spectators out of the sleepy slumber or stupor because of the “non” action of the last 19 minutes. A waza-ari was considered not a half point but an “almost” Ippon. So the criteria was essentially the same. Most of the action would take place in minute 9 and minute 19 of the match. For 18 minutes, then, sporadic episodic activity might be observed, but that was the exception rather than the rule.

So, after 19 minutes someone may have woken up. Saying all of this, the judo was stand up, the throws were pretty and classic, the match was civil. Even when Kaminaga lost to Geesink in the 64 Olympics, there was angst but no coach came running out of the stands to protest the loss (not withstanding Kaminaga got pinned). This was not dignified – it just was never done.

Back then, they did not need penalties. No one would even think of cheating or stretching the rules. This is relatively a western invention. There was a lot of honor back then. What happened to this? Admittedly, the judogi’s were pretty tight, so I guess they were stretching the rules then too. If uke (the throwee) stepped out during the commission of a throw, it was jogai(out) and no score would be registered even if uke was thrown on his back for a clean Ippon. There was no penalty. During newaza (ground work) it would not be uncommon to see players scoot out on their hands and knees to get away from the opponent. Players would constantly fight the edge knowing that if they had to escape, it was only 2 feet to the edge rather than 15. Mats were 30 meters by 30 meters. Lots of places to hid. It seemed to me that there was some nationalism or protectionism when it came to scoring a match as well.

So that was how it was then. Fighters stood up, throws were recognizable, everyone was respectful. Not so today. In the referee section of this newsletter, I plan to go over the rules, one topic at a time. Maybe give a little history, may give a bit of philosophy as to how things developed the way it did. My opinion of course, but hopefully you well find the reading interesting.

REFEREE ISSUES

There seems to be some questions about the measuring device and how to implement it: The Sokuteiki Measuring device was commissioned by the IJF to standardize the sizes of the Judogi’s worn by players. The device is 19” long, 4.5 inches high and 2 ½ in width. It is bulky and not something you can easily put into a referee jacket to be carried around from shiai to shiai. It was implemented because there was perhaps too much subjectivity in evaluating a proper fitting judogi.

So let’s analyze the situation. By and large, most judogi’s will meet the criteria, especially for the recreational player. For the “pro” player, judogi’s are custom fit to meet the size requirements. Therefore they should fit also. The trouble begins when players gain weight, grow in size/age, just meet the standard and have gained weight or have bulked up. Then the gi may not meet the requirement.

The rules state that the devices should be in the warm up areas and at matside to check the gi dimensions. It is now the responsibility of the player and coaches to make sure that the gi meets the requirement. If it does not, the player is penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct and is eliminated from that competition. They are not eliminated from the competition however. A referee who feels that a judogi is not in compliance with the criteria will check the gi at matside. If it is not in compliance, the referee, after consulting with the judges, shall penalize the competitor by Hansokumake and declare the opponent the winner. Strict adherence to this standard should be observed at all senior point tournaments and all national and international senior events. WHY, because our players will lose when they travel internationally. Of course, there can be variations for Junior players and local novice divisions. You have to use COMMON SENSE. In other words, you cannot apply the same measuring device to a 6 year old vs a 20 y/o who is going to fight at the next Junior Worlds. Even for seniors and masters, if they compete at a National Championship, they too should be under the same strict guidelines as an IJF events.

And I think the criteria should be strictly applied. It is the same as the blue/white judogi criteria. The judogi is either white or blue and you compete on the side to which you were called. You cannot change sides, have a blue top and white pants or any variation thereof. The judogi issue now is very simple, you meet the criteria or you do not. And it is up to the player and coach to see they are in compliance, not the referee. There might be a transition period in the US where we are a bit more lax about this than in some other countries. BUT please, coaches, players, spare us the grief. The criteria of the judogi control is in your hands. If you do not meet the criteria, you/your player will be eliminated. You have been forwarned.

LOCAL NEWS

From the IJI President: Happy New Year! Illinois Judo had another great year in 2008, filled with many outstanding tournaments, camps and clinics, including hosting one of the U.S. Junior National Championships and the Illinois State Open Championships. Particularly noteworthy were the numerous athletes, referees and coaches from Illinois Judo participating in the 2008 U.S. Olympic Judo Trials.

We want to announce that IJI will hold a confirmation vote for its Executive Board--President (myself/Tim Schultheis), VP (Chuck Clark), Secretary (Mary Gail Ford) and Treasurer (Frank Oliveri)--on Sunday, 1:00-3:00 PM, 8 Feb 09 at the Atlas Physical Therapy office's conference room, 728 East Veteran's Parkway, Suite 107, Yorkville, IL 60560 (on Route 34, just East of the intersection with Route 47, behind The Blackstone Restaurant at Route 34 and McHugh Road). If anyone would like to be nominated for an IJI Executive Board position, please let us know soonest, and we organize for an election. If anyone would like to hold a committee position, please contact the IJI President as of 8 Feb 09.

The current IJI Exec Board's agenda items for Illinois Judo remain consistent since June 2006: (1) supporting the establishment of new judo clubs, (2) developing junior athletes, (3) scheduling open work-outs, (4) holding annual State Championships, and (4) properly maintaining corporate & tax-exempt status, financial accountability & liability insurance.

After the confirmation vote or election, we will discuss these agenda items at the 8 Feb meeting. Please consider attending this meeting and contributing to IJI. Thanks.

Best wishes for the next year,
Tim

Jason Morris Judo Clinic – January 31, 2009

Jason Morris judo and coaching clinic open to everyone. Thank you very much and happy holidays
Aaron Cohen

Something to Think About – Lesson in Life and Chicago Temperature Conversion Chart

Lessons in Life By Regina Brett

To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolls over to 50 this week, so here's an update:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.

17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.

18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain

25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone, everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.

38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

45. The best is yet to come.

46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

48. If you don't ask, you don't get.

49. Yield.

50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Over 7 years ago, Regina Brett was a columnist at The Beacon Journal in Akron, Ohio. During that time, she was diagnosed and successfully treated for breast cancer. Regina is now a columnist for The Plain Dealer in Cleveland, Ohio. Her column runs on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday.

THE WINDY CITY TEMPERATURE CONVERSION CHART
ED NOTE: With tomorrow scheduled to be one of the coldest days on record, I thought I would pass this tome on to all of you just to let those in Chicago know exactly what we are experiencing and for others who do not live in Chicago to know exactly what we are experiencing. Folks, this is pretty much TRUE, especially the last one.
60° F: Arizonians shiver uncontrollably; people in Chicago are still sunbathing.
50° F: Californians try to turn on the heat; people in Chicago plant gardens.
40° F: Italian sports cars won't start; people in Chicago drive with the windows down.
32° F: Distilled water freezes; Lake Michigan water gets thicker.
20° F: Floridians don coats, thermal underwear, gloves and wool hats; people in Chicago throw on a light jacket.
15° F: People in Chicago have the last cookout before it gets cold.
0° F: All the people in Phoenix die. Chicagoans close the windows.
10° below zero: Californians fly away to Mexico. The Girl Scouts in Chicago are selling cookies door to door.
25° below zero: Hollywood disintegrates; people in Chicago get out their winter coats.
40° below zero: Washington, DC runs out of hot air; people in Chicago let the dogs sleep indoors.
100° below zero: Santa Claus abandons the North Pole. Chicagoans get frustrated because they can't start 'DA car.'
460° below zero: All atomic motion stops (absolute zero on the Kelvin scale); people in Chicago start saying, 'cold 'nuff for ya?'
500° below zero: Hell freezes over. The Cubs win the World Series.

UPCOMING EVENTS – 2008

Please note the following events on the horizon for Illinois and the Midwest. Communication and download information can be gotten directly through this email by attachments or by going to www.judofdl.com (Welcome Mat Judo). OR www.judocalendar.com (Jim Carmer). Either site is a wealth of information on Judo events. Both have more events listed than I have, so visit their sites often. Thanks.

2009 dates

Jan 23 Tachiwaza and Newaza For Shiai Ocean Springs, MS Mr Edwin Takemori – Clinician
Contact Jim Hunt 228-806-8125 or jimhuntjudo@bellsouth.net

Jan 24 Rules and Player’s Clinic and WI Judo Black Belt Hall of Fame Dinner
Contact Jim Peterson 1-414-719-0289 www.wahadachijudo.org/tournament JPETERSON230@WI.RR.COM

Jan 25 Wahdachi Judo Tournament Milwaukee WI
Contact Jim Peterson 1-414-719-0289 www.wahadachijudo.org/tournament JPETERSON230@WI.RR.COM

Jan 31 Jason Morris Clinic – Mundelein IL
Contact Aaron Cohen judo21@aol.com 1-847-372-7373

Feb 8 Executive Board Meeting of Illinois Judo Yorkville, IL
Contact Chuck Clark (630)553-5741 clarkmail4@comcast.net

Feb 28 Konjo Dojo St. Louis Championships Fenton MO
Contact: Randy Pierce konjo7@aol.com 636-464-6487(eve) 636-343-2481 (day)

Mar 14 Illinois State Open Championships -- Yorkville, IL
Contact Chuck Clark (630)553-5741 clarkmail4@comcast.net

Apr 25 Steven Point Judo Tournament Stevens Point, WI
Contact Tom Gustin trmegustin@charter.net

Nov 7 Gurnee Veterans Day Tournament -- Gurnee, IL
Contact Tim Schultheis (847)244-7847 annetims@comcast.net

LIFE MEMBERSHIPS INFORMATION – USA JUDO

For more information on Life Membership in USA Judo, please contact USA Judo and click on “LIFE MEMBERSHIP”

Nat’l Order Name

030 1 Henry Okamura(deceased)

041 2 Kei Narimatsu

065 3 James Colgan

122 4 Richard Fukuyama(deceased)

125 5 Joanne Barthold(deceased)

139 6 George Stanich

148 7 Mary Gail Ford

161 8 Kevin Narimatsu (CA)

162 9 Scott Narimatsu (CA)

164 10 Byung Chul Cho

167 11 Yung Kim

177 12 Kyu Yoon

181 13 John Bek

189 14 Quentin Thompson

201 15 Michiyuki Sasa

216 16 George Weer

271 17 Susan McConnell

289 18 William Jaconetti

291 19 Jean S Narimatsu

292 20 Susan Narimatsu

324 21 Timothy Tremaine

342 22 Stephen Bergren

349 23 Timothy Canty

355 24 Tim Schultheis

358 25 Bradford Lee (NV)

363 26 Frank Oliveri

364 27 Michael Ogata (FL)

370 28 Jeanette J Narimatsu

371 29 Julie K Narimatsu

374 30 Joe Kajita (CA)

378 31 Eiko Shepherd

381 32 Bill Dunning(deceased)

382 33 Yasko Odagiri

383 34 Wren Odagiri

385 35 Cary Yamanaka (MN)

387 36 Don Bordeau

There are currently only 36 Life Members in Illinois. You can start a membership for $75 minimum start payment and $25 per payment thereafter until completed. You can pay by cash, check or credit card. For more information, please contact www.usjudo.org and select “LIFE MEMBERSHIP” Let’s do our share in Illinois. Thanks.

USA JUDO NEWS: Complete coverage of articles are available at the USA Judo website at http://www.usjudo.org/ Click on the What’s New page to see all the recent news items.

Cultural Exchange in the Bahamas!

USA Judo is pleased to offer Junior athletes the chance to participate in a cultural exchange in the Bahamas for the 2009 Bahamas Open Judo Champiohships. This is a great opportunity for Junior athletes to gain international competitition experience in a fun and exciting environment.

The 2009 Bahamas Open Judo Championships will be held on February 7, 2009 in Nassau, Bahamas. The tournament will be hosted by the Bahamas Judo Federation at the Wyndham Crystal Palace Resort on Cable Beach. The resort features a great beach with many water activities, a Vegas style casino, a nearby PGA-approved golf course and many other activities that make for an enjoyable family vacation.

Click here for more information.

Be sure to check for discounted flights at www.judotravel.com!

Selection Criteria for the USA Judo Team to the 2009 International Judo Federation Junior World Judo Championships

The IJF-Junior division of the 2009 USA Judo National Junior Olympic Championships, July 24-26 in Orlando, Fla., shall serve as the selection event for the USA Judo Team that will compete at the 2009 Junior World Judo Championships, Oct. 22-25 in Athens, Greece.

Divisions to be contested at the Junior World Championships are as follows:

Male: 60, 66, 73, 81, 90, 100 and +100kg
Female: 48, 52, 57, 63, 70, 78 and +78kg

Athletes seeking to be eligible to compete in the Junior World Championships must be born in 1990 or later.

Athletes competing in the IJF-Junior division at the Junior Olympic Championships shall be seeded according to the established USA Judo seeding protocols. If the #1 seed wins the Junior Olympics, he/she shall be the athlete selected in each category of competition. If the #1 seed does not win the IJF-Junior division at the Junior Olympics, then that athlete and the winner of the Junor Olympics shall then engage in sudden-death contest in which the winner of the fight-off match shall be the athlete selected for that category of competition.

In divisions where fight-offs are needed, these matches will take place immediately following the completion of all of the gold medal matches during the same day's competition.

The athlete who wins the Trials will be named to the Junior World Championship Team.

All athletes have a maximum of 48 hours from the naming of the Junior World Team to accept or decline their position.

For the divisions in which a fight-off is held, if the athlete named to the team declines the slot, the nomination will go to the loser of the fight-off.

If the athlete selected, according to the above criteria, declines for any reason, the person who is then ranked highest on the USA Judo IJF-Junior Elite National Roster, reflecting the results of the 2009 USA Judo National Junior Olympic Championships, who participated in the 2009 USA Judo National Junior Olympic Championships, will be the athlete selected. Subsequent declines will result in a progressive movement down the roster, according to the same criteria.

An athlete who is to be nominated to the Junior World Team may be removed from the nominations for any of the following reasons, as determined by the Athlete Performance Committee:

* Voluntary withdrawal. Athlete must submit a written letter to Eddie Liddie, Director of Athlete Performance.
* Injury or illness as certified by a USA Judo approved physician (or medical staff). If an athlete refuses verification of their illness or injury by a USA Judo approved care giver, their injury will be assumed to be disabling and they may be removed.
* Violation of the USA Judo Code of Conduct.

In order to compete in the 2009 USA Judo National Junior Olympic Championships and / or qualify for the Junior World Championship Team, an athlete must be eligible to represent the United States in Olympic or World Championship competition.

2009 Pan American U13 and U15 Championships Selection Criteria

The 2009 Pan American U13 and U15 Championships will be held Oct. 1-4 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

This self-funded event is a closed tournament and only ONE entry per country per division is allowed.

The age divisions are for the 2009 event are:
Year of Birth 1995-1996
Year of Birth 1997-1998

The order of eligibility for the United States delegation is:

Year of Birth 1995-1996
The slot will be offered to the highest ranked athlete on the USA Judo Juvenile A Roster published following the close of the 2009 Junior U.S. Open Championships. If an athlete declines to participate, the slot will be offered to the #2-ranked athlete in that division. Subsequent declines will result in a progressive movement down the roster, according to the same criteria.

Year of Birth 1997-1998
The slot will be offered to the highest ranked athlete on the USA Judo Intermediate 2 Roster published following the close of the 2009 Junior U.S. Open Championships. If an athlete declines to participate, the slot will be offered to the #2-ranked athlete in that division. Subsequent declines will result in a progressive movement down the roster, according to the same criteria.

Each athlete considered MUST be a United States citizen AND a current USA Judo member.

NOTE: Athletes may compete ONLY in their actual age category. There will be NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RULE.

Arm Bars Now Permitted for Juvenile B Point Tournaments

Commencing immediately, inclusion of arm bars (kansetsu waza) in the Juvenile B age group in ALL Juvenile B POINT events which fall under USA Judo auspices will be mandatory. Arm bars (kansetsu waza) will NOT be mandatory for Juv B athletes at Local, Regional and other NON-point events until January 1, 2010.

2009 USA Judo Senior E-Level Point Tournaments

The list of tournaments in 2009 that have E-Level status has been revised and now includes the following events:

· San Jose Buddhist Sensei Memorial Tournament (San Jose, Calif.)

· Pedro's Challenge (Wakefield, Mass.)

· Midwestern Championships (Waukegan, Ill.)

· Liberty Bell Classic (Philadelphia, Pa.)

· Northglenn Championships (Northglenn, Colo.)

· Morris Cup (Burnt Hills, N.Y.)

· Golden State Invitational (Los Angeles, Calif.)

· Continental Crown (Seattle, Wash.)

· Dallas Invitational (Grapevine, Texas)

New York Open Mats Available for Purchase

The two tatamis being used at the 2009 new York Open will be available for purchase at a deep discount. Anyone interested in purchasing these mats should call Zebra Mats at 800.989.8085.

International Tournament Reminders
Belgian Ladies Open
The Belgian Ladies' Open, a USA Judo Senior B-Level Point Tournament will be held on Feb. 1 in Arlon. On Jan. 31, the Junior Belgian Ladies' Open will be held for athletes born in 1990 or later. Athletes must contact Alyssa Johnson at JohnsonA@usajudo.us by Jan. 9.

For more information, click here.

Belgian Men's Open
The Belgian Men's Open, a USA Judo Senior B-Level Point Tournament will be held Jan. 31 - Feb. 1 in Vise'. Athletes must contact Alyssa Johnson at JohnsonA@usajudo.us by Jan. 16 if they would like to participate.

Click here for more information.

World Tour Selection Process
Athletes who do not meet the selection criteria for the World Tour may apply to the USA Judo Athlete Performance committee for permission to compete at these events. You must submit an athlete resume - including name, weight division, home club, former junior or senior national teams and best finishes in domestic and international competition - to travel@usajudo.us. Please include which events you are interested in competing in - maximum of two.

More information on the World Tour can be found here.

Spring Break on the East Coast!
This year there will be three back-to-back junior point tournaments on the East Coast in March and April. The Ocean State International kicks off this series of judo events on March 21 in Warwick, R.I., followed by the USA Judo Youth and Scholastic National Championships in York, Pa. the last weekend of March. The series concludes with the Liberty Bell Classic on April 4-5 in Philadelphia. Get the season started with three great events!

The 2009 USA Judo Youth and Scholastic National Championships will be held March 28-29 in York Pennsylvania at the York Expo Center's Toyota Arena. The host hotel will be the Holiday Inn and Conference Center of York. Hotel reservations can be made online at https://resweb.passkey.com/go/USAJudo.

Surrounding airports include:

- Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) - 70 miles south of York

- Harrisburg International Airport - 30 miles north of York

Download the entry packet now by clicking here. The due date for early registration is February 15, 2009.

Don't forget USA Judo members receive discounted flights at www.judotravel.com!