Scholastic Judo

 Scholastic Judo Committee

The relationship of judo and its place in a school based setting can be traced back to the founder, Jigoro Kano. Since that time, there have been school based judo classes in America and around the world. The USJA Scholastic Judo Committee’s was created to stimulate the growth of judo in America’s elementary, middle and high schools.

The mission of this committee is two fold. First, to examine the role of judo in the lives of school aged children and teens. Areas of focus include recruitment and retention, individual learning styles, instructional methods, the role of the family, and external variables that impact student interest. Secondly, the committee will examine the process of developing partnerships with elementary, middle and high schools with suggestions for implementing judo in local schools in the spirit of “mutual welfare and benefit”. This will include a review of curricula, certification, funding, liability, mats, intramural leagues and in service training.

Experience has shown us that kids that are in judo are better students, have better attendance, fewer encounters with law enforcement, and less likely to be involved with substance abuse or bullying. This is not an accident. The values and behaviors we help kids with are referred to as “protective factors that promote resilience”, by researchers.

Click Here for a detailed Executive Summary on the Scholastic Judo Committee

We are actively seeking qualified black belt volunteers with current or prior experience teaching judo to children grades K-12 in a public, private or parochial school. We are also seeking black belts that are currently employed as school teachers in schools where judo is not currently available.

If you have experience in either or both of these areas, and would like to be part of this committee,

Please contact:

Raymond Conte, Committee Chair,

smijudo@gmail.com


Professional Judo

 Professional Judo Committee

The USJA recognizes that there are many different reasons that people run judo programs. Just like there is a need and place for those who want to run community based programs there is also a need for full-time, professional judo instructors who run commercial, for-profit judo programs. With this in mind the USJA Professional Judo Committee has been formed.

The mission of the Professional Judo Committee is to gather, create, and distribute information and resources that are beneficial to those individuals wanting to open new schools or transition existing programs into full-time, paying, commercial martial arts schools. Members of the Professional Judo Committee are individuals with a proven track record of managing professional, for-profit schools. These individuals share resources and ideas that have proven successful in their own schools and are available for seminars and small group training sessions with you and your assistant instructors for a nominal fee.

Committee Members:

Earl DelValle
Nokido Ju-Jitsu and Judo
North Port, Florida
budobug@gmail.com
www.nokido.net
(941) 228-9029

Vincente D’Ingianni, II
The Judokai
Dallas, TX
vincente@judokai.net
www.judokai.net
214-394-4274

Chris Holmes
Epic Martial Arts
McComb, MS.
epicmartialarts@hotmail.com
www.epicmartialarts.org
601-250-0550

Lester Martell
High Impact Martial Arts
West New York, NJ
highimpactma@gmail.com
www.highimpactma.com
201-320-4305

We are always actively seeking qualified volunteers to serve on this committee.

The criteria is as follows:

If you think you have what it takes and are willing to play an active role in the formation of this new Committee please respond to this message with some basic info on yourself and your school/program.

Please send all replies to:

James Wall, Committee Chair
Wall to Wall Martial Arts
Deham Springs, LA
wallmartialarts@att.net
www.wallmartialarts.com
225-612-0934

Articles of Interest:

What Kind of School Do You Want to Run? by James Wall 2-15


Jujitsu Sub-Committee

Jujitsu Subcommittee

NAME / E-MAIL ADDRESS
PHONE
STATUS / RANK
David Parrit
321-544-3280
CHAIR 6th Dan
Joe Souza
209-535-3553
(Promotion Board Chair) 8th Dan
Dr. Jose Andrade, M.D.
407-694-3388
(Promotion Board) 5th Dan
Dr. Ronald Allan Charles
843-469-3485
6th Dan
Tony Debattista
650-438-1234
(Promotion Board) 7th Dan
Earl DelValle
941-228-9029 
(Promotion Board) 5th Dan
Grant Gilliam
512-579-6195 
(Promotion Board) 5th Dan
Virgil Goodwine
614-940-2123
(Promotion Board) 6th Dan
Richard Hahn
317-828-3750
(Promotion Board) 6th Dan
John Newton
321-543-9864
(Promotion Board) 7th Dan
Eric Renner
650-224-8508 
(Promotion Board) 6th Dan
Lowell Slaven
765-891-0558
8th Dan

The USJA believes that all variations of Jujitsu have something to offer our Jujitsuka. We believe that all styles can peacefully coexist under one banner. We believe that all styles of Jujitsu should conform to the basic principles as broadly depicted in the USJA Jujitsu manual. We welcome variation and innovation, while still preserving the ancient principles and philosophy of Jujitsu.

This Is The First Jujitsu System Of Its Kind.

Most Jujitsu systems are the work of one outstanding technician, but this is not the case with our USJA Jujitsu system. USJA Jujitsu is not a personal system; it is the unique product of nearly 1,000 years of street and technical experience by more than 30 experts who have taught thousands of students the Way of Budo. Like so many national USJA programs, our Jujitsu system is totally unique. There is no doubt that the philosophy, techniques, and organized training methods of the system represent a significant event in the history of American Budo.

Three basic premises guided the selection and development of the USJA Jujitsu techniques.

One of the most unique features to the USJA system is that it is not a static system. The techniques and rank requirements constantly undergo review and revision. The goal of the USJA system is to maintain a series of Jujitsu techniques that are applicable to today’s life styles and needs, not those of 100 to 1,000 years ago.

Other unique characteristics of the USJA Jujitsu system include:

Recognition of Jujitsu Ranks Issued By Other Organizations.

The USJA recognizes Jujitsu ranks awarded by national and regional Jujitsu organizations accepted by the USJA National Jujitsu Steering Committee. It is important to understand that the USJA recognizes that many Jujitsuka and their Instructors may wish to continue to obtain their Jujitsu ranks from other organizations and still join the USJA to obtain the many benefits of USJA membership, such as our Comprehensive Martial Arts Insurance Program.

Registration of Jujitsu Ranks by Current USJA Members.

Current USJA members who wish to register their Jujitsu ranks should complete the “How to Register All Your Martial Arts (Budo) Ranks with Our Association” form (see Appendices). They must also attach to this form, a copy of their Jujitsu rank certificates and the registration fee for each separate rank being registered. A new membership card showing their Jujitsu rank and other Budo ranks (if registered) will then be issued to the member.

Registration of Jujitsu Ranks by New USJA Members.

Members who wish to have their Jujitsu ranks recorded when they first join the USJA, renew their USJA membership, or become a USJA Life Member, should indicate on the USJA Membership Application (see Appendices) the Jujitsu rank that they wish to register. When the new member’s computer record and file are created, the new member’s Jujitsu rank will be printed on their new membership card. There is no charge for this service. A copy of the new member’s Jujitsu rank certificate must be attached to the USJA Membership Application. 

Issuance Of USJA Jujitsu Rank Certificates When Rank Was Issued By Other Organizations.

These cases are handled exactly like a promotion in USJA Jujitsu. A USJA member who holds a recognized Jujitsu rank issued by any organization other than the USJA may obtain a USJA certificate for that rank by completing the USJA Judo and Jujitsu Promotion Recommendation (see Appendices). The applicant must be examined for the USJA rank by a USJA Jujitsu Black Belt of higher rank who will sign the form and send it to the USJA for issuance of the appropriate USJA Jujitsu rank certificate. A copy of the Jujitsu rank certificate of the issuing organization must be attached to this application. The promotion fee will be the same as for all USJA Judo and Jujitsu promotions.

USJA Jujitsu Rank Structure

Kyu Ranks

Rank

Identification

Beginner White Belt
6th Class Rank (Rokyu) Yellow or White Belt + Rokyu Patch
5th Class Rank (Gokyu) Orange Belt + Gokyu Patch
4th Class Rank (Yonkyu) Green Belt + Yonkyu Patch
3rd Class Rank (Sankyu) Brown Belt + Sankyu Patch
2nd Class Rank (Nikyu) Brown Belt + Nikyu Patch
1st Class Rank (Ikkyu) Brown Belt + Ikkyu Patch

Dan Ranks

Ranks

Identification

1st Degree Black (Shodan) Black Belt + Shodan Patch
2nd Degree Black (Nidan) Black Belt + Nidan Patch
3rd Degree Black (Sandan) Black Belt + Sandan Patch
4th Degree Black (Yodan) Red & Black Belt + Yodan Patch
5th Degree Black (Godan) Red & Black Belt + Godan Patch
6th Degree Black (Rokudan) Red & White Belt + Rokudan Patch
7th Degree Black (Shichidan) Red & White Belt + Shichidan Patch
8th Degree Black (Hachidan) Red & White Belt + Hachidan Patch
9th Degree Black (Kudan) Red Belt + Kudan Patch
10th Degree Black (Judan) Special White Belt + Judan Patch

USJA Jujitsu Downloads –

As previously mentioned, the USJA Jujitsu system is unique in many ways. Like other martial arts, there are beginning levels (Kyu grades) and black belt levels (Dan grades). In the USJA Jujitsu rank system there are six beginning and ten black belt levels. USJA Jujitsu ranks and certificates will be awarded according to this system.

The similarity to other martial arts ranks however ceases at this point. The basis for the Kyu grades in USJA Jujitsu is the attainment of Shodan or First Degree Black Belt. To achieve Shodan the student must learn and become competent in 157 techniques and have knowledge of 6 mental training areas. The order in which the student learns the techniques for Shodan is not important. Therefore specific techniques for each rank level have not been identified. Instead, a specific number of various types of techniques for each rank have been established. By designing the rank structure for Kyu grades this way, the student and the instructor both have input in how the student progresses through the ranks. Also, focus is placed on higher level achievement rather than on rank attainment.

Additional Promotion Requirements for Yodan and Above. 

The Jujitsu ranks of Yodan and above are considered higher ranks.  These ranks are reserved for Instructors that are leaders in their dojo, community, and state.  These instructors are considered experts and their rank should reflect their accomplishments.

It is of the utmost importance to ensure the quality of the candidates seeking higher rank.  Written applications and recommendations alone are not adequate to testify to the USJA Jujitsu Promotion Board as to the level of competence in Jujitsu of the candidate.

The candidate should seek to test in front of one of the members of the USJA Promotion Board.

Because of the size of the United States, this may be impractical and expensive.

In lieu of such examination, the USJA Jujitsu Promotion Board is requesting that the candidate submit a complete Jujitsu history and copies of the candidates rank certifications.  The candidate must also submit a comprehensive, typed, Jujitsu biography listing Jujitsu achievements and services in chronological order and detail.  Master Examiner recommendations will be taken into consideration; however, the USJA Jujitsu Promotion Board will have the final say in the candidate’s promotion or denial.

The USJA Jujitsu Promotion Board would also like a short 20-30 minute video of the candidate demonstrating and teaching Jujitsu techniques.  The video may include blocks, strikes, throws, holds, counters, combinations, submissions and escapes.  The demonstrations should be clear and precise and the candidate may choose to elaborate and include as details and variations.

The video and paperwork will be a representation of the candidate’s abilities and should reflect the rank they are requesting to be promoted to.  The candidates should adhere to the philosophy that “The rank should follow the individual; the individual should not follow the rank.”

The promotion paperwork, exam, recommendations and the video should be submitted to the USJA National Office along with the required fee.  The entire promotion package will be reviewed and assessed by the USJA Jujitsu Promotion Board before the promotion is approved.


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Founding of the USJA

      The Founding of the USJA

The governance of U.S. Judo started in 1952, through the efforts of Dr. Henry A. Stone, Major Donn Draeger (USMC), and others. At that time there was no national authority to give guidance to local judo communities and insure the logical and orderly development of judo as a sport.   The Amateur Judo Association (AJA) was a first attempt at establishing a national governing structure in conjunction with the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU).  Dr. Stone served as the first president. Authority to grant the most coveted Kodokan Judo ranks was assumed by the national organization. High ranking individuals were no longer permitted to grant promotions independently.  The growth of local judo organizations was further encouraged, promotion privileges were granted to yudanshakais (regional black belt associations), and a national communications network was opened.

One of the first Judo groups to organize was the 15th Air Force Judo Association that began in the Physical Conditioning Unit at March AFB in late 1956.  Prior to that in the early 50’s the Strategic Air Command set up a physical conditioning unit at Offutt Air Force Base, Omaha, Nebraska, home of SAC. This unit proved so successful that General Curtis E. LeMay, then SAC’s Commander-in-Chief, directed that similar units be set up at other bases. Self-defense was not SAC’s sole reason for stressing such training. Combined with a preliminary conditioning course, the specialized training was designed to bring into play every muscle of an airman’s body. Net effect is to leave the average crew member more alert, physically and mentally, and be able to endure the grueling pressures and demands of the long missions they fly.

Emilio “Mel” Bruno of Strategic Air Command (SAC) was the foster child of Roy H. (Pop) Moore a school teacher at a high school in Inglewood, California. In 1932 Moore was contacted to train some of the top Japanese judoka in wrestling. This included Professor Kotani of the Kodokan. Since Mel Bruno was one his foster dad’s top wrestlers at the high school, it was natural that friendship would blossom between Bruno and Kotani.  This life-long association lasted over four decades.

Bruno was one of chief individuals responsible for the introduction and development of a judo program in SAC and other commands. During his four years there Bruno personally instructed General Curtis Lemay and General Thomas S. Power as well as key command personnel. Bruno helped to initiate a program in which Air Force classes and teams could participate in direct training at the Kodokan Judo Institute. The Japanese reciprocated and sent a Kodokan team to visit U.S. Air Force bases in 1953, while Bruno was busy guiding the early development of the Midwestern Yudanshakai.

In 1957, the Air Force Judo Association (AFJA) was admitted as a yudanshakai to the Judo Black Belt Federation (JBBF) of the United States under Mel Bruno.  Also in that same year Sergeant George Harris won the Grand Championship in the National AAU Judo Championships in Hawaii.

With the addition of members Bill Nagase, Sam Numahiri in Fort Worth, Karl Geis and Rick Landers in Houston, and Air Force Sergeant Rick Mertens in Shreveport, the Southwestern U.S. Judo Association came into being as a yudanshakai of the JBBF. This new yudanshakai annexed small areas out of several exiting yudanshakais which covered the states of Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. By then Judo was only loosely organized into groups within Air Force Commands.

Soon these groups formed a larger body to encompass the entire U.S Air Force and looked for someone to command the associations. Around 1960, Darrell Darling, Phil Porter, Paul Own, Wally Barber, who was director of the local YMCA, and Mike Manly met at Dr. Sachio Ashida’s house and decided to form a yudanshakai. They framed a constitution and made contacts with the yudanshakai officers in Chicago and Denver to implement the project. In 1961 the yudanshakai, which covered the greater part of six states, was formed.

In 1966 Rick Mertens, who lived in Bossier City, LA, retired from the U.S. Air Force and established the AFJA (which had become the Armed Forces Judo Association) office in his home.  Rick served as the Executive Director of the AFJA throughout the 1960’s. After the formation of the United States Judo Association (USJA) he remained at the helm until 1977 when the headquarters was moved to St. Louis, Missouri.

By the late 60’s the differences and positions that had been fought out at the meetings finally culminated with the AFJA withdrawing from the JBBF as a yudanshikai.  The actual founding of the USJA began to take shape at a 1968 meeting in St. Louis where the following AFJA leaders met; George Bass, Karl Geis, George Harris, Rick Mertens, Robby Reid, and Phil Porter.  A year later Jim Bregman joined the AFJA’s Board of Governors at a meeting in Chicago where they officially renamed the organization the USJA on the morning of April 22nd 1969.

The JBBF changed its name to the United States Judo Federation.  Both the USJF and USJA continued to remain closely aligned with the AAU which still controlled the Olympic team. However the AAU was being pressured by the USJF to only recognize them as the authorized body to govern judo in the United States. This changed in July of 1977 when the USJA became a DC corporation and successfully settled a lawsuit it brought against the AAU winning equal recognition with the USJF.  One year later the AAU was supplanted with the passing of the Amateur Sports Act in 1978.  Under this act separate National Governing Bodies (NGBs) were made the requirement for each Olympic Sport.

In the 1980’s the USJA relocated its headquarters to Colorado Springs to be next to the USOC and established a National Judo Institute.  After the USOC opened a national judo training center of its own the need to be based in Colorado became a moot point so the USJA’s headquarters was relocated in 2011. Since its inception these individuals have served as USJA Presidents; George Bass, George Harris, Jim Nichols, Jim Bregman, Phil Porter, Jesse Jones, Mike Szrejter, Jim Webb, AnnMaria De Mars, and Gary Goltz. Today the USJA has more than 25,000 Life Members.

USJA National Hall of Fame


kata resources


Kata Resources Page

 

Our Kata Committee serves the membership by providing step-by-step descriptions of kata, plus score sheets for judges. We suggest you print the guidelines for the kata you are doing, referring often to them for guidance. We encourage kata practitioners to attend judo camps and clinics to perfect the kata and for evaluation, perhaps even certification as kata instructor or judge.

 

Guidelines Outlines Score Sheets
    Kata and Judge
  Nage No Kata Nage No Kata
  Katame No Kata Katame No Kata
  Ju No Kata Ju No Kata
  Kime No Kata Kime No Kata
  Kodokan Goshin Jitsu Kodokan Goshin Jitsu
Itsutsu No Kata Itsutsu No Kata Itsutsu No Kata
  Koshiki No Kata Koshiki No Kata
  Goshinho Goshinho
  Seiryoku Zenyo Seiryoku Zenyo
Gonosen No Kata Gonosen No Kata  
Nage Ura No Kata    
Renraku No Kata    
  Korean Counter  


Publications

Publications Committee

Mission Statement

It is the mission of the USJA Publications Committee to provide the membership with a program of regular, high-quality publications. The committee seeks to disseminate information of importance to the membership in a prompt and cost-efficient manner, and to encourage communication at all levels.

Sign up for Growing Judo, the USJA’s Online Newsletter

Following is a list of the Committee Members with e-mail.  Please feel free to contact one of the committee members if you wish to discuss news items, publications or original articles that may be of interest to the membership.  All submissions should ultimately be sent to the Chairman.  To send the committee member a message, simply click on his/her name

E-MAIL ADDRESS TITLE PHONE STATE STATUS
Connie Halporn NY CHAIRMAN
Joan Love USJA VP 860-334-3347 CT Editor of Growing Judo Magazine
George Weers IL Editor American Judo Headlines
Martha Helmers NY Editor of American Judo Magazine
Ronald Allan Charles 843-553-6702 SC Associate Editor American Judo


Grassroots Judo™

The leaders of Grassroots Judo™ are the Presidents, the Executive Directors, and the Legal Counsels of the USJA and the USJF. Our aim is to grow Judo and enable people to contribute to society. We are the organizations of choice for coaches and students to train in the fundamentals of “big” Judo. [Judo spelled with a big “J” means the holistic contribution of Judo to society. Judo spelled with a little “j” is the sport and recreational (technical) aspects of judo]. We hope to facilitate a way for the most skilled and talented instructors, competitors, coaches, and referees in the country to give back to judo through the USJA and USJF.

Upcoming Grassroots Judo™ Events

*(Interested parties please contact Robert Fukuda at the USJF)

**(Interested parties please contact Marc Cohen at the USJA)

II Grassroots Judo™ Core Values

III Grassroots Judo™ Core Purposes & Objectives

IV Grassroots Judo™ Value Proposition

VI Grassroots Judo™ Benefits of Judo

VI Current Grassroots Judo™ Joint USJF /USJA Tournaments

VII Grassroots Judo™ Event Endorsement Criterion

Videos of Past Grassroots Judo™ Events  by Chris Mitsuoka

Junior Nationals 2013 in Pittsburgh  

Winter Nationals 2012 in Los Angeles – Seniors

Winter Nationals 2012 in Los Angeles – Juniors  


Contact Us

USJA Contact Information:


List of Technical Officials

Technical Officials: Level 1
Name E-Mail State Expiration Date
Fredrick Fries shimpan@sbcglobal.net CT 3/30/2008
James Williamson jim_williamson8@yahoo.com CT 3/30/2008
Hans Vogt   FL Expired
John Paccione sijudo1@aol.com FL 11/30/2007
Luis Feliciano okuiri@aol.com FL 8/30/2008
Tamara Peabody   FL 11/30/2010
Kurt Neyens   FL 11/30/2010
Joseph Pelish   FL 11/30/2010
Michael Pelish   FL 11/30/2010
Chris Rassmussen   FL 11/30/2010
Pat Kaufmann   FL 11/30/2010
Sara Long   FL 11/30/2010
Savannah Long   FL 11/30/2010
Loren Sunday lmartin@evansvillepolice.com IN Expired
Martin Sunday kickboxmom2@cs.com IN Expired
Andrew B. Wilson   LA 9/30/2007
Bridget Wallace   LA 9/30/2007
Dan Jones   LA 9/30/2007
Dane Bailey dbaile4@isu.edu LA 9/30/2007
Myriah Chevalier   LA 3/31/2011
Piper Hill   LA 3/31/2011
Eric King judoking@earthlink.net LA 9/30/2007
John King   LA 3/31/2011
Mark Nienaba   LA 3/31/2011
Hudson Tabor   LA 3/31/2011
Cody Teetrick   LA 3/31/2011
Greg Waldron greg_waldron@hotmail.com LA 9/30/2007
Jim Smith noxip@aol.com LA 9/30/2007
Lucas Oglesby nitrolmo@msn.com LA 9/30/2007
Matthew Marty johson1985@yahoo.com LA 9/30/2007
Michael King mkmike@gmail.com LA 9/30/2007
Michael Wildman wild0352@cox.net LA 5/30/2009
Oliver Brown   LA 9/30/2007
Patty Wall pns@centurytel.net LA 9/30/2007
Raul Chan rl2r2chan@hotmail.com LA 9/30/2007
Sandra Stepongzi sstepo1@isu.edu LA 9/30/2007
Sandra Turland sturland@bellsouth.net LA Expired
Stephanie Robker srobker@hotmail.com LA 9/30/2007
Susan Hessick jhessick@yahoo.com LA 9/30/2007
Guido Gallopyn   Mass 7/30/2010
Jeff Neals   Mass 7/30/2010
David Wertheimer dave_wertheimer@faminton.k12.mi.us MI Expired
Harry W. Snyder Jr. dhwsnyder@hotmail.com MI 6/30/2007
John Berra jep13@concentric.net MI 7/30/2008
Dr. Bob Bell docbob@netzero.net MO Expired
Carsten Wellman carstnwel@aol.com MS 2/28/2008
Brian Schweitzer   NY Expired
Claire Chadderton mewsky2000@aol.com NY 7/30/2010
David Gitter mrglitter909@optonline.net NY 7/30/2010
Janet Muller   NY  
Jeanne Marin jhpnmarin@optonline.net NY Expired
Jennifer Broschardt mathew59@optonline.net NY Expired
Joseph Tamburello italianslimited@excite.com NY 7/30/2010
Kevin Guinto   NY Expired
Liz Perrotti deadhead317@yahoo.com NY 2/28/2008
Michael Goldsmith judohawk@hotmail.com NY 2/28/2008
Naresh Singh   NY 7/30/2010
Philip Coulter ptcent8220@aol.com NY 11/30/2007
Rajesh Singh   NY 7/30/2010
Suresh Singh   NY 7/30/2010
Thomas Chadderton   NY 7/30/2010
Timothy Broschardt mathew59@optonline.net NY Expired
Vidya Singh   NY 7/30/2010
Vera Pokhlebayeva vpokhlebayeva@yahoo.com NY 11/30/2010
Michael Dobbs mdobbs@sr2.com PA 7/30/2010
Gilbert Godbold gilbert@gsgbuilders.com TX 9/30/2007
Sheila Godbold swgodbolde@earthlink.net TX 9/30/2007
Zach Godbold swgbold@earthlink.net TX 9/30/2007
Dr. David W. Kelly dwkelly@comcast.net VA 6/30/2007
 
Certified Technical Supervisor: Level 2
Name E-Mail State Expiration Date
Michael King   LA 3/31/2011
Gregory Waldman   LA 3/31/2011
Kenneth Pacunas kbpac@comcast.net NH 3/31/2011
Edward Shirey shireye@att.net NJ 10/31/2007
Gayle Horowitz ghanct@aol.com NY Expired
Marie Sienna Smith Italrose7@aol.com NY Expired
Mathew Broschardt mathew59@optonline.net NY 7/31/2010
Paul Fuccillo ronindoryu@aol.com NY Expired
Paul Larocca pongla70@aol.com NY 7/31/2010
Sandi Blais blazes5@aol.com NY 7/31/2010
Henning Henriksen henriksen@tusco.net OH 8/31/2007
Susan Henriksen henriksen@tusco.net OH 8/31/2007
Mark Hunter markjudo@aol.com   1/31/2013
 
Certified Technical Advisor: Level 3
Name E-Mail State Expiration Date
Earl DelValle budobug@gmail.com FL 10/31/2010
Jeff Miller jefmlrjudo@yahoo.com LA 8/31/2010
Terrance Chambers   LA 8/31/2010
Charles Schweizer esg939603@yahoo.com NY 5/31/2010
Nancy Panula panulanp@aol.com NY 10/31/2010
Edie Connolly   TX 8/31/2010
David Malek macifp@aol.com WI 10/31/2010

Back to Technical Officials Main Page


Level 4 - Master Technical Official

Level 4 – Master Technical Official

The fourth module is meant to assist in the development of technical advisors (level 3). The module will contain a curriculum and series of suggested lesson plans for use in clinics. A master technical official is a person of high skill and experience that can assist in running tournaments, settle disputes related to scoring, rules interpretation, and can provide training for all levels of technical officials. This certification does not expire, however in order to maintain the certification a master tech must show a consistent pattern of training and service. Every three years a master tech should have held 2 clinics and certified a number of technical advisors, technical supervisors, and technical officials. In addition, a master tech must work a minimum of 1 event per year as a coordinator, advisor, or director.


Level 3 - Technical Advisor

Level 3 – Technical Advisor

The third module is meant to develop individuals capable of assisting tournament directors as mediators and people to whom authority can be delegated and trainer of technical supervisors (level 2). In the event of unforeseen complications involving rules interpretation, the technical advisor can step in and hand down a ruling within the scope of the existing rules. The level 3 module also provides for a curriculum in which to develop and train new technical supervisors. Once a person has achieved the technical advisor certification, he/she must return to their home region and begin to train and develop new supervisors (level 2) and officials (level 1). The certification is good for 3 years and to maintain certification a technical advisor must work at least 1 tournament per year as an advisor, coordinator, or director, and train 3 technical supervisors over three years or have served on the technical officials committee. At present only members and former members of the committee are Certified Technical Advisors.


Level 2 - Technical Supervisor

Level 2 – Technical Supervisor

The second module is meant to cover the more intricate and complicated details involved in Technical Official work, and to develop qualified supervisors and trainers of the Level 1 Technical Officials described above. Specifically, the Level 2 module is meant to train, develop, and certify people to serve as Table Supervisors and Head Scorekeepers (also known as Pairing Officials). The second module also presents a training curriculum that can be used to train and certify new worker-level Technical Officials. People certified at Technical Official Level 2 are required to go back to their home region and begin training and certifying new Technical Officials. The Level 2 certification is good for three years, and in order to stay current with this level of certification, a person must work at least two tournaments over the three year period as either a Table Supervisor or a Head Scorekeeper, and also must train and certify at least two new Technical Officials. Persons interested in becoming certified at this level must either already be certified at the lower level, or have a significant amount of Technical Official experience.


Level 1 - Technical Official

Level 1 – Technical Official

The first module is directed toward developing worker-level Technical Officials. The goal is to develop qualified Technical Officials who can serve in any of the following positions: 1) Contest Timer, 2) Osae Komi Timer, 3) Scorekeeper, 4) Bracket Keeper, or 5) Registration/Weigh-In Official. In order to become certified, a person must pay the certification fee, receive the training or study the training materials provided, pass the written exam, and also pass a practical exam, which consists of working as a Technical Official at a tournament under the supervision of an experienced Technical Official Supervisor who can certify the candidate’s performance. The Technical Official Level 1 certification is good for three years, and in order to stay current with this level of certification, a Technical Official must work at least two tournaments over the three year period.


Introduction to the USJA Technical Official Certification Program

Introduction to the USJA Technical Official Certification Program


The USJA Technical Official Training and Certification Program were instituted to meet the continual need for well-trained and qualified Technical Officials to serve at USJA-sanctioned tournaments. Although the program is designed to serve the specific needs of the USJA, the training materials are intended to be in compliance with all the applicable rules and requirements of the International Judo Federation (IJF), and to expand upon and be compatible with similar training programs and materials published by the United States Judo, Inc. (USJI).
The aim of the program is to provide a service, rather than to regulate or control. The program has been designed to train and motivate new Technical Officials, and to update the skills and recognize the professionalism of the many volunteers who already serve with such dedication as Technical Officials. There is no desire on the part of the USJA Technical Official Committee to place any extra burden upon tournament directors by mandating that volunteers must be certified before they can serve as Technical Officials. Rather, the committee seeks to support the existing efforts of tournament directors to train their volunteers by supplying a training curriculum, and by training and certifying Technical Official Supervisors who can provide training and motivation to the volunteers, and by giving recognition to those volunteers who actually receive the training. In keeping with its service-oriented mission, the program is meant to be revenue neutral. It is not necessary to be a member of the USJA to become certified through this program. Members of the other national judo organizations, and interested volunteers, such as judo parents, are invited to participate in this program.


Ethics Complaint Procedure

The United States Judo Association
Ethics Complaint Procedure

The following is a summary of the Standards & Ethics procedure for Processing an Ethics Complaint as defined in the By-Laws of the USJA :

First— The complaint must be in writing and signed by the complainant and mailed to the USJA National Headquarters. Phone calls, E-mails, notes and unsigned messages are unacceptable. If the complainant is unwilling to put the charges in writing and sign it……the process stops there.

Second–After the National office receives the written and signed complaint, it then goes to the Executive Director. The Executive Director contacts the complainant within 2 business days by phone. At this time he or she explains the Ethics Committee process, makes sure that the complainant feel supported by USJA and informs them that their case will be sent to the Standards and Ethics Committee chairman and then assigned to a Committee member to head the investigation. They also need to be informed that they will be contacted by phone within the next 20 business days by the assigned investigator.

Third— The Executive Director then writes (1) a letterto the complainant, summarizing their conversation and enclosing (2) a copy of the bylaws ethics section ( Article V, section D, part II ) and (3) a copy of the USJA Code of Ethics document. This letter needs to be sent Certified Mail.

Fourth— A file is created by the Executive Director with all original documentation. Appropriate confidentiality and security of documents is to be maintained. The chairman is to be sent only copies of the original documentation..

Fifth— If the Executive Director cannot get in touch with the complainant by phone within 2 days of receiving the complaint, he or she will send a letter by Certified Mail, summarizing what usually is done by phone. It will be indicated in this letter, that they need to contact the Executive Director ( or his Representative ) by phone if they wish to proceed with the complaint. If they do not…then the matter is over.

Sixth— After completion of the investigation, the case, along with recommendations from the Standards and Ethics Committee, will be presented to the Board of Directors for disposition. At this time the Board of Directors may dispose of the case or call for a formal Board of Directors hearing which could include, complainant, respondent and witness testimony.

SeventhAfter disposition and completion of the case, complainant and respondent are notified via Certified Mail of the disposition.

Eighth— Everything that the Committee has collected, including all phone and e-mail records, notes, documents, testimonies and witness accounts, will be sent to the National Headquarters to be included in the case file.  This file will be archived for the specified time determined by the Board. At the end of this specified time, the entire file will be destroyed.


Code of Ethics

United States Judo Association
Code Of Ethics

I. Introduction

The objective of the United States Judo Association is the advancement of the amateur athletic competition in the sport of Judo in the United States, in international competition, and in general, the advancement of recreation and physical fitness through the sport of Judo. The United States Judo Association grants the privilege of membership to individuals and organizations committed to that objective. The privilege of membership may, therefore, be withdrawn by the United States Judo Association whenever it determines the conduct of a member is inconsistent with the objective of the organization, or the best interest of the sport and those who participate in the sport.

In order to assist all members to better serve the interest of those who participate in Judo, the United States Judo Association has adopted the CODE OF ETHICS, which follows. This code is not intended to establish a set of rules that will, by inclusion or exclusion, prescribe the appropriate behavior for United States Judo Association members in every respect of their participation in the sport of Judo. Rather, the code offers principles to guide conduct and the judicious appraisal of conduct in situations that have ethical implications.

The code cannot enhance ethical conduct in the sport of Judo; that can only come from the personal commitment of the participants in Judo to behave ethically. This code is offered instead to guide and affirm the will of all the United States Judo Association members to safeguard the best interests of Judo by conducting themselves ethically at all times.

II. Elements of the Code

A. Participant Relationships

Members of the United Stated Judo Association are charged with the responsibility for contributing to an environment, which makes participation in Judo a positive and rewarding experience. In order to achieve that result, each member has a special obligation to make decisions based on the best interest of the athlete. It is inconsistent for any member to:

1. Fail to follow the safety guidelines established by the United States Judo Association, or otherwise knowingly subject a participant to unreasonable physical or emotional risk.

2. Engage in unsportsmanlike conduct including, in particular, attempting to injure, disable or intentionally interfere with the preparation of a competitor.

3. Engage in conduct toward another participant in Judo, which is excessively or repeatedly abusive. The United States Judo Association recognizes that the process of training and motivating athletes will vary with each Coach and each athlete, but it is nevertheless incumbent upon everyone involved in Judo to support the development and use of motivational and training methods, which avoid conduct which is, or is likely to be perceived as being, abusive.

4. Discriminate in the provision of resources or opportunities to any member or prospective member on the basis of race, sex, creed, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or mental or physical disability.

5. Attempt to intimidate, embarrass, or improperly influence any individual responsible for judging or administering a competition.

6. Engage in unethical or illegal business practices directed toward another member, including but not limited to, the dissemination of false or misleading information about a member, the misappropriation of valuable property such as mailing lists, the imposition of onerous non-competition provisions in employment agreements, the initiation by an instructor of direct solicitations encouraging athlete members to relocate from the club of the instructor’s most recent employer, or an attempt by a student to move from one club to another club without informing both head instructors of full details of the proposed move.

B. Participation

Any United States Judo Association activity or event should be open to any member properly qualified under the rules of that activity or event, and every member participating in a United States Judo Association activity or event has an obligation to participate to the best of his, or her, ability. It is inconsistent with this obligation for any member to:

1. Restrict the ability of a member to qualify for or participate in competition because of the member’s association with a particular organization or individual or because of that member’s race, sex, creed, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or mental or physical disability.

2. Participate as a Judge, Coach, Athlete or Administrator in any activity where that Judge, Coach or Athlete is inadequately prepared, unable to participate, or fails to participate to the best of his, or her, ability.

3. Engage in behavior, which is so disorderly or inappropriate at to interfere with the orderly conduct of the activity or the participation of the other members in, or the enjoyment of the activity.

C. Loyalty

A member of the United States Judo Association has a duty of loyalty to the sport of Judo and the rules, which regulate and govern it. It is inconsistent with this obligation for any member to:

1. Knowingly misrepresent the policies or actions of the United States Judo Association or its authorized representatives.

2. Fail to resort in the first instance to the established procedures for challenging a competitive result, contesting a team selection decision, complaining about the conduct of another member, or attempting to reverse a policy adopted by the United States Judo Association.

3. Breach the duty to maintain appropriately established confidences of the United States Judo Association or its members.

D. Communication

Members of the United Sates Judo Association have a duty to communicate honestly and openly with the organization and its members. It is inconsistent with this obligation for any member to:

1. Misrepresent competitive achievements, professional qualifications, education, experience, eligibility, criminal record or affiliations.

2. Withhold from athlete members information or resources likely to enhance the athlete member’s enjoyment of the sport, or reduce their risk of injury or illness.

3. Fail to consult with or fully inform the athlete or the athlete’s parents about opportunities made available to the athlete involving competitions, commercial activities or recognition.

4. Misrepresent the nature or extent of injury in order to decline an invitation to participate in, or withdraw from, a competition assignment, training camp or other similar activity.

5. Misrepresent the nature or extent of injury in order to participate in, or cause an athlete to participate in, a competition, training camp or other similar activity when such participation is inconsistent with the appropriate medical response to the injury.

E. Alcohol or Drug Abuse

Members of the United States Judo Association must ensure that the sport is conducted in an environment free of drug or alcohol abuse. It is inconsistent with this obligation for any member

1. Use or provide to a third party any drug proscribed by applicable Federal, State or Municipal law.

2. Assist or condone any competing athlete’s use of a drug banned by the International Olympic Committee, International Judo Federation ,United States Olympic Committee, United States Judo, Inc., United States Judo Association or National Collegiate Athletic Association, or, in case of athlete members, to use such drugs or refuse to submit to properly conducted drug tests administered by one of those organizations.

3. Provide alcohol to, or condone the use of alcohol, by minors, abuse alcohol in the presence of athlete members, or at United States Judo Association activities, or in the case of athlete members, consume alcoholic beverages while a minor.

F. Criminal Conduct

Members of the United States Judo Association are expected to comply with all applicable criminal codes. This obligation is violated by any member who has been convicted of, or has entered a plea or guilty or no contest to, a criminal charge or indictment involving sexual misconduct, child abuse, or conduct that is a violation of a law specifically designed to protect minors, and, depending on the nature of the crime, may be violated by any member who has been convicted of, or has entered a plea or guilty or no contest to, any felony charge or indictment involving conduct other than specifically described above.

G. Sexual Misconduct

Members of the United States Judo Association must protect the integrity of the sport and the interest of the athletes they serve by avoiding sexual relationships with athletes except where the capacity and quality of the athlete’s consent to enter that relationship is beyond question. It is inconsistent with this obligation for any member to:

1. Solicit or engage in sexual relations with any minor.

2. Engage in any behavior that utilizes the influence of a member’s position.

3. Engage in sexual harassment by making unwelcome advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature where such conduct creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.

H. Development

Members of the United Sates Judo Association should strive to increase their level of proficiency and skill. To fulfill this obligation, members should:

1. Participate in continuing education programs such as the clinics and seminars conducted by the United States Judo Association.

2. Remain current on safety, health and training developments relevant to the sport of Judo, and seek the advice and council of colleagues and experts whenever such consultation is in the best interest of the athlete.

I. Promotions

Members of the United States Judo Association are eligible for promotion upon technical skill, knowledge, participation and character requirements as set forth in the USJA promotion standards. Those evaluating a promotion candidate have an obligation to insure that all of the activity requirements are satisfied at a level consistent with the proposed rank and that the character requirement is satisfied at a level consistent with the age and maturity of the candidate and the proposed rank. It is inconsistent with this obligation for any member to:

1. Promote or recommend anyone for promotion without establishing for themselves that the person has satisfactorily fulfilled all the promotion requirements.

2. Make, or attempt to make a promotion evaluation of promotion requirements in which they are not qualified to evaluate.

3. Knowingly accept false statements regarding the satisfaction of promotion requirements.

4. Fail to schedule regular promotion evaluations for eligible for promotion.

J. Conflict of Interest

Members of the United States Judo Association are responsible for avoiding both actual and perceived conflicts of interest in the conduct of business on behalf of the organization. It is inconsistent with this obligation for any member to:

1. Use, or to be perceived as using, United States Judo Association properties, services, opportunities, authority, or influence to gain private benefit.

2. Fail, as an employee, Director, Officer, or Committee Member of the United States Judo Association to complete an annual conflict of interest statement, or fail to complete that statement accurately.

3. Incur expenses in furtherance of the United States Judo Association business, which are unreasonable, unnecessary or unsubstantiated.

4. Participate in the deliberation or decision-making about any issue for which the member has a direct financial interest.

III. Enforcement of Code

Compliance with this code depends primarily upon understanding and voluntary compliance, secondly upon reinforcement by peers, and when necessary, upon enforcement through disciplinary action. Any individual who believes that a member of the United Stated Judo Association has failed to meet his, or her, obligation under this code is, under all but the most egregious circumstances, encouraged to first address that concern directly to that member. If that action does not result in satisfactory resolution, the individual may file a written complaint with the USJA National Headquarters. The written complaint will be handled directly by the Executive Director or his or her assigned representative and the initial contact with the complainant will be personal and direct according to the procedures outlined in the USJA by-laws. At this time the ethics investigation process and procedures will be explained to the complainant and the case will be sent to the Chairman of the Standards and Ethics Committee. Subsequently, the Chairman will assign the complaint to an investigator. The ethics enforcement process will follow the procedures outlined in the by-laws of the USJA . When the investigation of the Ethics Committee concludes, the Committee’s recommendations are presented to the USJA Board of Directors. When the Board of Directors votes on a final disposition of the case, the complaint comes to a conclusion.

The entire USJA By-laws document and The Ethics Complaint Procedure document is available by contacting the USJA National Headquarters.


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