Frances M Glaze

Frances Glaze

Judo Biography

Frances Glaze’s journey in the world of Judo is a testament to resilience, dedication, and unwavering passion for the sport. Her odyssey began amidst the halls of the YMCA while she pursued her education at Ohio State University in Columbus. It was here that she took her first steps onto the tatami, igniting a flame that would define her life’s trajectory.

Frances Glaze and Diane Tamai Jackson teaching Goshin-jutsu

Transitioning to the University of Toledo, Glaze’s pursuit of Judo led her to Tony Owed’s dojo, where she was greeted by the rigors of the martial arts world. Despite the initial challenges, her athleticism and determination quickly caught the eye of seasoned practitioners, leading to her partnership with Bonita Hudak in the realm of Kata. Under the tutelage of Ryozo Nakamura, Frances honed her skills, setting her sights on national competition. They understood that they might not win the competition the first year of competing in 1972,but they did believe that they could win the next year. As fate would have it, they did just that and took first place overall in the women’s division at the USA Senior National AAU Championships in 1973.

With a steadfast resolve, Glaze embarked on a five-year journey, initially focused on Kata competitions. However, when her partner, Bonita, veered from the path, Frances pivoted towards Shiai, undeterred by societal norms that dictated women should not compete in shiai. Although faced with resistance, she took third place only losing to Gold Medalist Diane Pierce at the USA Senior National AAU Championships in 1976.

Following her initial success in Kata competitions alongside Bonita, Glaze’s journey took a new turn when she rekindled her passion for competitive Kata in the 1990s. Returning to the arena with renewed vigor, Glaze sought to once again test her mettle now on the international stage.

Frances Glaze and Diane Tamai Jackson teaching Katame no Kata

Frances then teamed up with Mark Pasquinelly, a seasoned judoka, to represent their craft at the prestigious World Master Judo Competition. Their synergy and dedication were evident as they showcased their expertise in Goshin-jutsu and Ju no Kata, securing notable placements amidst stiff competition from across the globe.

Frances Glaze and Robert Gouthro demonstrating Goshin-jutsu

Subsequently, Frances Glaze forged alliances with esteemed partners such as Karen Wilden, Peggy Wilden, Ryan O’Connor, and Al Panackia, embarking on a journey that spanned continents and championships. Together, they traversed the international Judo circuit, leaving an indelible mark on every competition they graced.

In 2001 Frances and Karen Wilden’s partnership in Kata lead them to compete at the Pan American Judo Championships and secured first place in the women’s division in Nage no Kata, Katame no Kata, and Ju no Kata. Then after many more competitions in Kata, Frances and partner Ryan O’Connor competed at the 2006 World Masters in Tours France. There they took the honor of first place in Goshin-jutsu, second in Katame no Kata, and seventh in Ju no Kata for the mixed gender division.

In the last year of Frances competing in Kata she with partner Al Panackia competed at the First IJF World Kata Championships in Malta. They did not place.

Frances Glaze’s dedication extended beyond the mat, delving into the intricacies of Kata and earning certifications as a judge both on the national and international level. Her contributions to Judo were duly recognized, as since 2018 she has been a recognized IJF Kata judge in all 5 Kata and attaining the rank of Shichidan from the USJF.

Throughout her illustrious career, Glaze’s competitive spirit remained undiminished, marked by numerous victories at national and international championships. From the Fukuda International Kata Championships to the IJF World Kata Championship, Frances stood as a beacon of excellence, epitomizing the ethos of perseverance and sportsmanship.

Frances Glaze and Keiko Fukuda Shihan demonstrating Goshin-jutsu

Beyond the realm of competition, Glaze’s impact reverberated through her teaching and mentorship, inspiring generations of judokas to strive for greatness. To this day Frances still holds Kata clinics helping to inspire the next generation of judoka with her teaching and love for Judo. Her legacy serves as a testament to the transformative power of passion and dedication, exemplifying the true essence of Judo. Glaze has over the years studied under many instructors including Elizabeth Lee, Kuniko Takeuchi, Noboru Saito and Keiko Fukuda.

In giving back to the community of judo Frances has also been a major part of the Konan Yudanshikai serving on several committees including the Board of Examiners and Women’s Committee. She has also supported the national community by serving as part of many of USJF’s committees. From being a part of the Kata Committee as Vice Chair to being a part of the Promotion Committee and many more. Her dedication to judo and the community that supports it, can be seen even today in her involvement within the Judo organizations. Glaze was also an officer of the USJF when she served as the Secretary alongside then USJF President Neil Simon.

Their collective achievements not only underscored Glaze’s enduring commitment to excellence but also served as a testament to the enduring bonds forged through the shared pursuit of mastery in Judo. Together, Frances Glaze and her esteemed partners epitomized the spirit of collaboration, sportsmanship, and unwavering dedication that defines the essence of Judo.

Certifications

IJF Kata Judge – All 5 Kata
Pan American Kata Judge – All 5 Kata
Class A Kata Judge USA Judo – All 7 Kata
USJF Certified Class A Instructor – All 7 Kata
USJF Master Coach
USJF Master Instructor
USJF Master Self Defense

Service to Judo

Frances Glaze and Macie Smith at the Indiana State Championships

USJF Secretary
USJF Promotion Committee (Chair)
USJF Elizabeth Lee Committee (Chair)
USJF Kata Committee (Vice Chair)
USJF Boad of Examiners
USJF Finance Committee
USJF ASOY Committee
USJF Development Committee
USJF Women’s Committee
USJF Standards and Ethics Committee
Konan Yudanshikai Board of Examiners (Chair)
Konan Yudanshikai Women’s Committee (Chair)
Konan Yudanshikai Development Committee

Frances Glaze and Garrett Mapes at the Akiya Memorial Tournament

Competition Records

2009 – USA Judo National Championship, San Diego, CA
Mixed-gender – 1st Ju no Kata, 1st Goshin-jutsu – Partner Al Panackia
IJF World Kata Championship, Malta
Goshin-jutsu – Partner Al Panackia
2007 – Kodokan International Kata Tournament
Kime no Kata – Partner Ryan O’Connor
2006 – USA Judo National Championship, Houston, TX
Mixed-gender – 1st Katame, 1st Goshin-jutsu, 1st Ju no Kata – Partner Ryan O’Connor
Overall Mixed-gender champion
World Masters Tours, France
Mixed-gender – 1st Goshin-jutsu, 2nd Katame, 7th Ju no Kata – Partner Ryan O’Connor
Fukuda International Kata Championship
Mixed-gender – 1st Kime, 1st Ju no Kata, 2nd Katame, 2nd Goshin-jutsu – Partner Ryan O’Connor
Overall Mixed-gender champion
2005 – USA Judo National Championship, Virgina Beach, VA
Mixed-gender –
1st Katame, 1st Goshin-jutsu, 1st Ju no Kata – Partner Ryan O’Connor
Overall Mixed-gender champion
Fukuda International Kata Championship
Mixed-gender – 1st Katame, 1st Goshin-jutsu, 1st Ju no Kata – Partner Ryan O’Connor
Overall Mixed-gender champion
USJF Kata Competitor of the Year – Partner Ryan O’Connor

Frances Glaze and Robert Gouthro demonstrating Goshin-jutsu

2004 – Fukuda International Kata Championship
Mixed-gender – 1st Katame,
1st Goshin-jutsu,
2nd Ju no Kata – Partner Ryan O’Connor
Overall Mixed-gender champion
Women – Tied for 1st Katame – Partner Peggy Whilden
2002 – USA Judo Senior Nationals, Cleveland, OH
Women – 1st Goshin-jutsu – Partner Jana Seaborn
2001 – Pan American Judo Championship, Cordoba, Argentina
Women – 1st Katame, 1st Nage, 1st Ju no Kata – Partner Karen Wilden
Fukuda International Kata Championships
Women – 1st Katame, 1st Nage, Tied 1st Ju no Kata, 2nd Goshin-jutsu – Partner Karen Wilden
Women Overall champion
USA Judo Senior Nationals, Orlando, FL
Women – 1st Katame, 1st Nage, 2nd Ju no Kata – Partner Karen
Wilden
Women Overall champion
Fukuda International Championship
Women – 1st Katame, 1st Nage, 2nd Ju no Kata – Partner Karen Wilden
Women Overall champion
USJF Kata Competitor of the Year – Partner Karen Wilden
2000 – USA Senior Nationals, Cleveland, OH
Women – 1st Goshin-jutsu – Partner Jana Seaborn
1999 – World Master Judo Championship, Welland, Ontario, Canada
No gender divisions – 3rd Goshin-jutsu, 4th Ju no Kata – Partner Mark Pasquinelly
1976 – USA Senior National AAU Championships, Baltimore, MD
Shiai – 123 lbs – 3rd Place – Lost to Gold Medalist Diane Pierce
1975 – USA Senior National AAU Championships, Phoenix, AZ
Women – 1st Katame, 2nd Nage, 1st Ju no Kata – Partner Bonita Hudak
1974 – USA Senior National AAU Championships, Los Angeles, CA
Women – 1st Katame, 2nd Nage, 1st Ju no Kata – Partner Bonita Hudak
Overall Champion Kata
1973 – USA Senior National AAU Championships, Atlanta, GA
Women – 1st Overall Champion Kata – Partner Bonita Hudak
1972 – USA Senior National AAU Championships, Philadelphia, PA
Women – 2nd Katame, 4th Nage, 3rd Ju no Kata – Partner Bonita Hudak

Frances Glaze and Robert Gouthro demonstrating Goshin-jutsu

Judo Biography

Certifications

Service to Judo

Competition Records

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