| Member News
June 30, 2008
Judoka From Around the World Pay Tribute to Frank Fullerton
(Colorado Springs, Colo.) – In a testament to the level of impact former USA Judo President Frank Fullerton (El Paso, Texas) had on the international judo community, dozens of his former colleagues wrote USA Judo with their condolences, well wishings and memories of Mr. Fullerton who passed away on June 25.
Fullerton, the Pan American Judo Union Sports Director, has been one of the most influential people in the international community for several decades. During his distinguished career, Fullerton, a seventh-degree black belt and international referee, was the first president of USA Judo, a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee Board of Directors and a delegate to the International Judo Federation. Fullerton has received many honors for his work in the sport of judo, including his receipt of the John Osako, Henry Stone and Adrea Bregman Memorial Awards and recognition as the Black Belt Magazine Man of the Year.
In addition, Fullerton was named the 1976 Texas Man of the Year and was inducted into the PJU Hall of Fame in 2006. Earlier that year, Fullerton received the New York Athletic Club's Lifetime Achievement Award.
Below are some of the messages received by USA Judo from around the world. Anyone who would like to submit tribute messages or photos of Mr. Fullerton are asked to send them to USAJudoNews@usajudo.us.
Dr. Ron Tripp, USA Judo President
"Frank Fullerton has been an icon of judo in the United States and was one of the greatest supporters of judo in the Americas. His passing is a loss to judo in the world. I am personally saddened by his passing and call out to the American judo community to stop for a minute to recognize what Mr. Fullerton did for Judo in the United States, the Americas and the world. He helped so many athletes throughout his entire life. We are very thankful to Mr. Fullerton and the legacy that he built these years.”
Yosh Uchida, 1964 Olympic Team Coach and Former USA Judo President
“The passing of former USA Judo President, Frank Fullerton, is a great loss to the USA Judo and Pan American Judo families. Frank created the constitution and bylaws for USA Judo when the United States Congress passed the Sports Act in 1978. This enabled each sport to organize itself as an independent governing body. Serving as president of USA Judo for sixteen years, he wore many hats including a member of the US Olympic Board of Directors and delegate to the International Judo Federation. Though he lived in El Paso, Texas, he spent a great amount of time to financially support Central America in helping to develop judo in those countries. Frank was the Sports Director for the Pan Am continent and represented the Pan Am organization in international conferences. After sixteen years as president of USA Judo, he devoted his time to Central America, where he was actively supportive of the growth of judo in that area. The recipient of numerous awards for his involvement, he will always be remembered as a man dedicated to promoting the sport of judo in the United States and Central America.”
Gail Stolzenburg, USA Judo Board Member
“For over fifty years Frank Fullerton has been a friend to me and the entire judo community. People will remember Frank as the person chosen to lead USA Judo as it began its journey as the national governing body but his leadership started much earlier in the state of Texas. He was a very private individual and most people did not know the extent of his personal and financial support to athletes and Judo projects. If I were asked to choose someone, who exemplified the spirit of Judo, it would be Frank Fullerton.”
Hayward Nishioka, IJF A-Level Referee
“Although many believed Frank to be autocratic in his approach to US Judo governance, he was always there to assist in the development of judo for all of its members. Under his administration he allowed for cooperation of all factions of the US judo community and garnered many international competitive titles under his administration. In retrospect... he is a hard act to follow.”
Dr. Martin Bregman, IJF A-Level Referee
People will remember Frank as the first President of United States Judo, Inc. (now USA Judo), or that he was a gruff Marine Brigadier General (two tours in Nam as a helicopter pilot), or as a lawyer with a great command of legal knowledge. I remember Frank as a friend and a tireless worker.
There was a Ladder Tournament held in Arkansas back in the 80's. He got there early as did I (I was to be the Chief Referee). They were still setting up the mats. We both took off our jackets and started unloading tatamis. That was the kind of man, and President, Frank was.
Proudly patriotic and always looking out for U.S. interests among the international politicos of our sport. Sometimes he could be very frustrating, but he was always true to himself. I remember being in Hamilton, Ontario for the Pan American Championships, which was an International B exam for referees. One of the American candidates made a mistake in every match. When it came to the end of the event, that candidate had the second lowest grade among candidates. The only poorer candidate was an elderly man from Peru who Carlos Catalano Calleja wanted to pass so that Peru (which had no international referees at the time) could have a chief referee and begin a referee development program. The old man would never again officiate himself. But since the PJU wanted the Peruvian to pass Frank insisted that the U.S. referee should also pass (over my objections as the American candidate had done such a poor job). If you were an American he was in your corner (even if you didn't deserve it.)
Many people don't know that when the U.S. needed to send a team to an event, and there were no funds to cover the trip, Frank would fund the team out of his own pocket...
During his administration the US Open was always either an IJF-A or IJF-B exam. When he was defeated after serving for 14 years as President, he was still the Technical Advisor to the Pan American Judo Union... At our meetings he always treated the Class A body presidents with respect and consideration during his tenure.
I spoke with him often in the 90's, but only sporadically the last few years. He called me to see how I was doing around New Years. He was very kind to me during the time that my wife was losing her fight with cancer. He called to talk to me at least once a week during the year after she died (and loaded me down with committee work to keep my mind off of my own problems).
He is one of the few people that enriched my judo and life experience. I will miss him as I do the other people who were very close to me and that have made up my life and now are gone. The judo community of the United States, the Pan American Union, and the International Judo Federation have lost a tireless worker, and a very good man.
Frank, Semper Fi!
Pepe O. Roses, International Judo Federation Referee Commission Secretary, Jan Snijders, IJF Referee Director, and Juan Carlos Barcos, IJF Referee Head Director
“On today’s date it has come to our knowledge of the sudden decease of our friend Mr. Frank Fullerton, PJU Sports Director, IJF Sports Commission member and former USA Judo President during many years, colleague at all IJF events; a man of Judo and a man of the IJF family, on behalf of the IJF REF COM, we wish to present with grief and sorrow to all of you our deepest condolences to the loss of a great person in the world of Judo.”
Francois Besson, IJF Sports Director
“When I am in Beijing I got the sad information regarding F FULLERTON. I wish to say that my thought are turned to US Judo to his memory and for all his achievements. I remember the support he brought to many Judokas and Countries. He has always tried to support Judo on his way and has brought a great contribution within the IJF Sports Commission; I still remember when more than 15 years ago we were working together on the draft and then proposals for the quota system IJF (and qualifications related to it) to set under the direction of the IOC.”
Naser Al Tameemi, IJF General Treasurer
“It is with deepest sadness that we have come to know of the sudden demise of Mr. Frank FULLERTON IJF member and former USA Judo President. On behalf of IJF, our deepest condolences are with the family and friends at this time and May God give them all the strength and courage to pass through this stage. He will be a friend and colleague dearly missed by all and our prayers and best wishes are with the family. May God rest his soul in Peace.”
Haruki Uemura, IJF Federation Marketing & Sports Director and AJJF Senior Managing Director
“On receiving the saddest news of the passing away of Mr. Frank Fullerton, I would like to express my sincere condolences. He dedicated his life to Judo, and he will be missed very much. My deepest sympathy goes to the family and friends of Mr. Fullerton. May he rest in peace.”
Carlos Diaz, Pan American Judo Union Referee Director
“Today has been a very difficult day for me, really very difficult, because in the particular and personal, but there of the judo I was friend of Mr. Frank Fullerton. They were many years sharing with him in the events of the Pan-American judo, but beyond that, it was an entire learning process. Today there is not a lot that can say, because the feelings have them in the chest and I cannot say a lot. They were many the events, they were many the trips in the same flights, since during this whole period we were generally together in the events. Together we made a work team, all complains so terrible lost for the judo of the whole continent. See you later Mr. Fullerton, for, it will always be in my thoughts.”
Obaid Al Anzi, Asia Judo Union President
“It is really sad news indeed. With deep respect and honour to Mr. Frank Fullerton, I convey my condolences to the bereaved family of Mr. Frank Fullerton, whom I have known for very long. May God Rest His Soul in Peace, and my sincere sympathies rest with his family, freinds and to all the concerned.”
Takao Kawaguchi, Referee Director, Judo Union of Asia
“I was extremely sorry to learn of the death of Mr. Frank Fullerton and send my deepest sympathies to you and his family. Please accept my sincere condolences on the irreparable loss you have suffered. For a long time, he has dedicated himself to spread and develop Judo not only USA but also all over the world. You have my deepest sympathy in this time of loss.”
Claire Hargrove, President of the Oceania Judo Union
“On behalf of the Oceania Judo Union I wish to express our sincere condolences to the colleagues and family of Mr. Frank Fullerton. Mr Fullerton had been a strong supporter of judo throughout the world. He was a good friend to Oceania athletes and a supporter also of women’s judo in the United States and in the rest of the IJF. We had worked with him over many years both in his capacity in the IJF Sports Commission, with the Pacific Rim Championships and with the US Open Championships, in which he was a generous supporter for our athletes. Mr Fullerton had worked consistently for the advancement of judo for very many years and his contribution is well appreciated.”
Yukimitsu Kano, President of the All Japan Judo Federation
“We were deeply saddened to hear of the death of Mr. Frank Fullerton. On behalf of All Japan Judo Federation and the Kodokan Judo Institute, I wish to express our deepest sympathy to you and his bereaved family. He will be missed and remembered by all who dealt with him and have known him throughout the years. You and his family have our sincere condolences.”
Wang Baoliang, President of the Chinese Judo Association
“May i take this opportunity to send our sincere and deep condolence to our friend Mr. Frank Fullerton. May the Judo spirit, Olympic spirit and our true friendship stay with him for ever in the heaven! Wish his family all the best!”
Frans L. Esajas, Treasurer of the Suriname Judo Federation
“On behalf of the Suriname Judo Federation we express our condolences for the sudden decease of a preat man, who was always standing tall literally and figurative.”
D'Arcy Rahming, President of Bahamas Judo
"On behalf or the Bahamas Judo community I extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Frank Fullerton. We acknowledge his many contributions to Pan American Judo community and especially his guidance in the development of Judo in the Bahamas."
Geoffrey Sankies, President of the Guyana Judo Association
“The Guyana Judo Association and I, personally, would like to express our sincere condolences on the death of Mr. Frank Fullerton. Mr. Fullerton was a man of integrity and dedication who we will all miss in the world of judo and outside of judo.”
Ignacio Aloise, President Uruguayan Judo Federation
“With great sympathy, I had known about Mr. Frank Fullerton lamentable decease. In the name of the Uruguayan Judo Federation as on mine, I would like to express to you and the Judo family of your country my respect and condolences on this particular moment. Once again. I want to transmit my profoundest sympathy.”
Elisabeth Emery, Former IJF Sports Commission Assistant
“I worked for the IJF Sports Commission for 15 years as Assistant of François Besson, and Frank was a monument inside the commission always the first arriving on the meeting. It is very sad for all of us to have lose our judoka cowboy.”
Julio Clemente, Refereeing Director of the Caribean Judo Confederation
“I want to express my deepest sympathies to you, USA Judo and Frank Fullerton’s family, upon his sudden death. I am very sorry for the irreparable loss of a long time friend and Judo contributor that dedicated himself to the development of Judo in the USA, the Americas and all over the world. Please accept my sincere condolences.”
Stanford Fabio
“From the Virgin Islands Judo Federation members, we send our warmest condolences for your loss. Frank will be missed but not forgotten. Our prayers go out to you all.”
L.A. Croes, President Aruba Judo Association
“Although we have met Mr. Frank Fullerton only a few moments during PJU championships, he became a special friend to all of us here in Aruba. We are very sorry to hear of his passing and are writing to extend our deepest sympathies to the PJU board, US Judo, and the PJU family in general. We will remember Mr. Frank Fullerton as the person who inspire sincere respect and dignity to the judo sport and wish that his memories will remain between us.”
Armen Bagdasarov, 1996 Olympic silver medalist from Uzbekistan
“It has come today as sad news. We on behalf of all judo people of Uzbekistan convey our deepest condolences and sorrow to the family member of the great judoman Mr. Fullerton. We wish you patience and to Mr. Fullerton paradise.”
Jaime Casanova, Pan American Judo Union President
"Hoy día 25 de junio de 2008, a las 9:30 de la mañana dejo de existir en la ciudad de El Paso, Texas, en los Estados Unidos de America, el Lic. Frank P. Fullerton, nuestro Director Técnico Deportivo.
La Unión Panamericana de Judo, y su comité director quieren expresar a toda la comunicad del judo de Panamérica y especialmente a los Estados Unidos de Norte America, su mas profundo pesar ante la irreparable perdida de un gran hombre, de un judoka cabal, como lo fue nuestro entrañable Sr. Frank Fullerton, quien dedico su vida a proveer de ayuda técnica y económica a los países que la necesitaran.
Junto al Sr. Frank Fullerton nos toco compartir muchos momentos del judo panamericano durante una gran cantidad de años, lo cual nos permitió conocer al gran hombre que hasta el día de hoy, realizó un trabajo incansable, en Pro del beneficio y desarrollo del judo de este continente, sin buscar nada mas que sentir la satisfacción que con su ayuda, muchos jóvenes, niños y adolescentes, desarrollaban y fortalecían su educación a través del judo, que fue una verdadera pasión para el.
Hoy todo el judo de América, lamenta la partida del Sr. Fullerton, un hombre de convicciones, un hombre de una incuestionable honradez, un hombre que vivió para apoyar las actividades del judo panamericano, que en muchas veces nos dijo, era su vida.
En mi Carácter de presidente de la Unión Panamericana de Judo, y:
CONSIDERANDO:
1. Que el Sr. Frank Fullerton fue durante muchos años destaco como Presidente de la Federación Nacional de Judo de los Estados Unidos de Norte América (USA JUDO Inc.)
2. Que El Sr. Frank Fullerton durante muchos años ocupó la posición de Director Técnico Deportivo de la Unión Panamericana de Judo
3. Que El Sr. Frank Fullerton, era miembro de la Comisión Deportiva de la Federación Internacional de Judo
4. Que El Sr. Frank Fullerton, durante su vida como Presidente de USA Judo, instauró varios eventos internacionales de judo tales como los US. Judo Open en las categorías Senior y Juveniles, contribuyendo con la participación de las mayoría de los países afiliados a la Unión Panamericana de Judo.
5. Que El Sr. Frank Fullerton, durante muchos años se dedico a ayudar a los países mas necesitados del continente americano a través de seminarios y curso de capacitación técnica y deportiva, dotación de materiales y ayudas económicas, que permitieron su desarrollo y evolución.
6. que durante toda su vida de judoka, siempre mantuvo una conducta intachable, apegada a los mayores conceptos de dignidad, y honorabilidad, haciendo cumplir las normas y en muchos casos dictándolas:
ACUERDA:
1. Guardar un minuto de Silencio en los próximos Campeonatos organizados por los diferentes países afiliados a la UPJ, que estén dentro del Calendario Oficial de la Unión Panamericana de Judo como un homenaje póstumo a la memoria del Sr. Frank Fullerton, incluyendo los próximos Campeonatos Panamericanos
2. Instaurar que todos los Campeonatos Panamericanos de Judo Mayores sea otorgada a partir del año 2009 La Copa "Lic. Frank P. Fullerton" al Equipo Campeón
3. Instaurar el Premio Lic. Frank Fullerton para reconocer el trabajo de desarrollo que emprendan las Federaciones Nacionales en las que se destaquen el desarrollo técnico y su participación en los eventos internacionales.
4. Conceder el Premio Mejor Judoka a los Alteas mas destacados en los Campeonatos Panamericanos, con una asignación en metálico.
La presente declaración será colocada en el Web Site de la Unión Panamericana de judo, como órgano oficial de divulgación de la la UPJ."
Gustavo Diez, President of the Cuban Judo Federation
“REALMENTE DE TODO CORAZON LA FAMILIA DEL JUDO CUBANO HA SENTIDO ENORMEMENTE EL FALLECIMIENTO DE NUESTRO QUERIDO FULLERTON, TAL COMO LE EXPRESAMOS AL DR TRIPP LA UPJ HA PERDIDO A UNO DE SUS MEJORES EXPONENTES
HACERLE LLEGAR A SU FAMILIA Y AMIGOS NUESTROS MAS SENTIDO PESAME.
NOSOTROS EN LA INAUGURACION DE LOS JUEGOS ESCOLARES EL DIA 2 DE JULIO LE GUARDAREMOS UN MINUTO DE SILENCIO.”
Manuel Larranaga B. Rivera, President of the Mexican Judo Federation
“A nombre de la Federación Mexicana de Judo, presentamos nuestro gran pesar por tan lamentable perdida del Judo de panamerica. El Lic. Frank Fullerton, se distinguio siempre por apoyar a todos los paises del continente y en nuestro pais, siempre lo sentimos como un hermano más. Quiero hacer patente nuestro duelo a USA JUDO y que el Gran Arquitecto del Universo, lo tenga en su gloria.”
Arq. Fernando Ibáñez García, President of the Ecuador Judo Federation
“Hoy he leido en los diferentes correos de América, la lamentable noticia del fallecimiento de nuestro querido y respetado amigo, gran colaborador del judo de Panamerica y será para todos los que lo conocimos al Lic. Frank Fullerton, un hombre inolvidable.
Es una gran perdida para el Judo Panamericano y Mundial, lo debemos recordar con respeto y admiración. Mis sentido pesar y solidaridad para el Judo de Estados Unidos de Norteamérica y a sus amigos más intimos.
Que en paz descanse.”
Ovidio Garnero
“Gracias por la informacion. Es lamentable la perdida fisica de nuestro querido amigo Frank Fulerton. Deseo expresar a todos y en especial a sus familiares mis mas sinceras condolencias.”
Mohamed Meridja, Algeria
“Profondiment attrester par la nouvelle du décès de Mr. Frank Fullerton
l'ensemble de judo de l'algerie vos presentent a toute la famille du defunt et la famille de judo USA.
leurs sincer condoléances et les assurent de leur profonde sympathie
puisse dieu tout puissent l'acueillir en son vaste paradis.”
Lassana Palenfo, President of the African Judo Union
“A la famille Judo. Nos condoleances.”
Ignacio Aloise
“Con gran pesar me he enterado del lamentable fallecimiento del Sr. Frank Fullerton. Deseo expresar, en nombre de la Federacion Uruguaya de Judo, así como en el mío propio, mis más sentidas condolencias a usted y a la familia del Judo de su país en este difícil momento. Con mi profundo pésame, me valgo de esta ocasión para reiterarles mis consideraciones y respeto.”
Ing. Daniel Zabala, Judoka de Venezuela
“Recuerdo que en mi época de competidor, tengo la imagen de aquel señor tejano al que todo el judo de USA acompañaba donde estuviese, y al que yo en ese momento todavía no conocía. Sin duda, me decía yo a mí mismo, ese señor es un líder. Y ese liderazgo no era fortuito ni casual, era labrado por el trabajo y el respeto. Cuando me involucré un poco más en la organización de campeonatos, me dí cuenta que este señor era parte del alma de una competencia de judo, él era quien marcaba las pautas, quien dominaba las reglas a la perfección a pesar de su avanzada edad, y que a pesar de esa rectitud que transmitía era un hombre extremadamente amable, sencillo, amistoso y con quien se podía formar un excelente equipo de trabajo en cada torneo.
Otra grandes cualidades de este emblema del judo de América, eran su fortaleza para atender a cada evento, la estricta puntualidad de todas sus acciones, y el espíritu crítico ante todo lo que hacía. Sin duda, todo un maestro.
Esta pérdida es irreparable para los que lo conocimos, pero nos compromete a seguir trabajando en su legado, un judo cada vez mejor. Mis condolencias para sus familiares y solidaridad en el duelo que hoy nos une.”
Guatemala Judo Federation Executive Committee
“Lamentan el fallecimiento del distinguido señor FRANK FULLERTON
Director Deportivo de la Unión Panamericana de Judo.
Y expresamos nuestras más sentidas condolencias a la Unión Panamericana de Judo en especial a la Federación Estadounidense de Judo, y nos unimos al dolor por esta pérdida irreparable, para el Judo Panamericano.
‘Bienaventurados los que lloran, porque ellos recibirán consolación.’ (Mateo 5:4)”
Alquimedes Ortiz, Dominican Judo Federation President
“Reciba el mas sentidos de los pesames de parte de la Federacion Dominicana de Judo y en el mio propio por el lamentable fallecimiento del Dr. Fullerton.
Es un duro golpe para el mundo del judo y muy especialmente para la Union Panamericana de Judo.
Hemos perdido un gran pilar de nuestro deporte.
!Que descance en paz!”
Hernando Arias Giraldo, President, and Julian Rivera Manrique, Secretary, Colombian Judo Federation
“En nombre de la familia del Judo Colombiano nos unimos a la gran pérdida que sufre el Judo de America por la partida de nuestro gran amigo, el Licenciado Frank Fullerton, Director Deportivo de la Unión Panamericana de Judo, Un ser humano honorable, que dedico su vida al desarrollo del Judo en nuestro continente. Descansa en paz amigo. Siempre estarás en nuestros corazones y que Dios te tenga en la Gloria.”
Ing. Ernst Laraque, President of the Caribean Judo Confederation
Personalmente y en nombre de la Directiva de la Confederacion de Judo del Caribe, quiero Compartir su inmenso dolor y presentarles nuetros pesares, extendiendolos a todos los familiares de nuestro entrañable Sr. Frank Fullerton, quien dedico su vida a ofrecer ayuda técnica y económica a los países que las necesitaran. Quiera DIOS lo tenga en su Santa Gloria y que sus restos descansen en paz.”
Frank Silva Urbina, Nicaragua
“América está de luto con el deceso de nuestro dirigente deportivo Licdo. Frank Fullerton (Q.E.P.D)., la familia judoka nicaraguense se une a las condolencias, y lamenta la pérdida irreparable del Licdo. Fullerton, un hombre ejemplar para el judo, quien trabajo incondicionalmente dando lo mejor de su persona el ya no estará con nosotros en los eventos deportivos, pero siempre estará presente en nuestras oraciones y en el corazón de cada uno de nosotros, que descanse en la paz de nuestro señor.”
Gerardo Marrazzo
“Estimado amigo Carlos aprendi a respetar y admirar al señor Fullerton con los años al principio me fue dificil porque era un hombre recto de una sola palabra leal, prudente inteligente en general un buen hombre y un gran enamorado del judo que sera dificil reemplazar. Dije que fue dificil porque no lo conocia, cuando lo conoci me di cuenta que era un hombre verdaderamente extraordinario. El Judo Americano y mundial perdio a uno de sus mejores hombres.”
Lic. Raul Villanueva Lopez, President of the Peru Judo Federation
“A PESAR DEL POCO TIEMPO QUE HACE QUE CONOZCO A FRANK, LE COGI GRAN APRECIO POR SU FORMA DE SER Y SINCERIDAD EN SU TODO SU PROCEDER DENTRO DE LOS EVENTOS QUE ES DONDE PUDE CONOCERLO Y EN ALGUNAS OCASIONES COMPARTIR CON EL.
REALMENTE ES UNA NOTICIA TERRIBLE PARA EL JUDO PANAMERICANO Y MUNDIAL.
SI TIENES ALGUNA FORMA DE DARLE MIS CONDOLENCIAS A SU FAMILIA DE PARTE MIA Y DEL JUDO PERUANO POR FAVOR HAZLA LLEGAR.”
Rigoberto Saez Garcia, President of the Chilean Judo Federation
“Con gran sentimiento de pesar he recibido la lementable noticia del sensible fallecimiento de nuestro querido amigo, judoca de corazón y gran colaborador del judo de Panamerica Lic. Frank Fullerton. Los judocas de Sudamerica, de Panamerica y de todo el mundo hemos sufrido la pérdida de un gran hombre que en vida lo dió todo por el judo. Mis sentidas condolencias al judo de U.S.A.” |
