Sandy North writes: You are invited to “Celebration of Life.” Tap here to RSVP It is with great sadness that I must announce that my life long Sensei Mamoru Shimamoto passed away in New Jersey. Sensei Shimamoto was born in Kumamoto city, Kyushu, Japan,...
The passing of Yoshihiro “Yosh” Uchida
Yoshihiro "Yosh" Uchida, a San Jose State graduate and former coach who played a crucial role in promoting judo in America, passed away at the age of 104. Uchida was a prominent figure at San Jose State for over eight decades, transforming the school into a powerhouse...
2025 Summer Judo Nationals
James Murray
James Murray © 2024, Jim Murray, all rights reserved James Murray Judo Biography Jim Murray has been a stalwart figure in the world of Judo, combining his passion for the sport with a steadfast commitment to community service and youth development. Born and...
Roy Englert
Roy Englert © 2024, Roy E Nanjo, all rights reserved Roy Englert Judo Biography Roy Englert was born in December 1958 in Alexandria, VA. He received a degree in Mathematics from Princeton at age 19 and followed with a Juris Doctor Degree from Harvard at age 22....
Frances M Glaze
Frances Glaze © 2024, Frances Glaze, all rights reserved 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...
Tad Nalls
Michael Tad Nalls © 2024, Roy Nanjo, all rights reserved Judo Biography USJF Rokudan, IJF- B level referee, International Coach, Sensei at Georgetown/Washington Judo Club (WJC) at Georgetown University Past competitor in Collegiate and Masters (now Veterans)...
Frank Morales
© 2024, USJF, all rights reserved Frank N. Morales Jr. Judo Biography Sometimes in life it is easy to overlook the influence and consistency of some people, maybe it is because of their ubiquity or their quiet, humble and behind the scenes presence....
Karen Whilden
© 2024 Roy E Nanjo, all rights reserved Karen Whilden Judo Biography Karen started judo in college in 1970 and has continued practicing judo ever since. Upon returning home from college, she found a wealth of judo in Los Angeles (Nanka) which meant that judo did...
Fran Vall
Fran Vall © 2024 photo courtesy of Chuck Medani Judo Biography Fran Vall is one of those small, quiet people who are easily missed in a dojo, but she has created an outsized and outstanding impact as a kata competitor, instructor, technical official,...