The 2018 Jeremy Glick Award recipient was announced on July 7, at the opening ceremonies of the summer nationals in Grand Rapid, MI. This year’s recipient is Mr Jim Murray of the Konan Yudanshakai. Mr Murray is the founder of Godai Judo and through Godai, has raised 10’s of thousands of dollars which have been used to maintain judo in Grand Rapids and help economically disadvantaged youth through judo.
The Jeremy Glick Award reads:
This award is based on the spirit of Judo, courage, compassion and character. We are honored to add you as recipient of this award for your many years of leadership, development of people, development of Judo, and your courageous dedication in insuring the continued success of Judo and the USJF. You truly epitomize the spirit of this award.
Photo by Felix Lanier
Jim Murray sees Judo as a chance to reach out to “at-risk” youth though the instruction of sport judo. The cornerstone principle of judo is “Mutual Welfare and Benefit”. He writes, “Our goal is to reach out to ‘at-risk’ youth in our community to provide mentoring and positive adult role models to children and teenagers.” He continues saying that Judo instruction provides a great way to impart such primary values as respect, discipline, perseverance, and many more. So far the programs he has been involved in have produced several Jr. National medalists, funded and sent three students to the Sanix Program and three to the Korean Training program. Our goal is to provide opportunities through the great sport of Judo and thereby change the trajectory of young lives.
Jim Murray’s Judo Accomplishments
- Godan, 5th Degree Black Belt
- Head Instructor Godai Judo
- President – Konan Judo Association (USJF Yudanshakai)
- Past President – Judo Affiliates of Michigan (USA Judo State Organization)
- Vice President – Konan Judo (Multi State) Association
- USA Judo Certified Continental Coach
- USJF Certified Kata Instructor (Nage, Katame, Kime, Goshin)
- 2010 Local Liaison for USA Judo National President’s Cup Tournament
- 2011 Local Liaison for USA Judo National Scholastic Championships
- 2018 Tournament Director USJF/JA Jr. Nationals
- Multi Time Tournament Director
- Michigan State Games/State Games of America
- Great Lakes Open
- Konan Championships
- Michigan State Championships
- 2017 Gold Medalist USA Judo National Championships Master Division 90kg
- 2008 Bronze Medalist USA Judo National Championships Master Division 90kg
- 2005 Silver Medalist USA Judo National Championships Master Division 81kg
- 2005 Gold Medalist Midwest Judo Championships Master Division
- 2004 Silver Medalist Pan-American Masters Championships
- 2004 Silver Medalist Pan-American Masters Team Championships
- 2003 Bronze Medalist Pan-American Masters Championships
- 2003 Silver Medalist Pan-American Masters Team Championships
- Multi-Time Masters Champion Michigan State Championships
- Multi-Time Masters Champion Great Lakes Championships