Member News

January 14, 2008

USA Judo Recognizes Member Clubs with Weekend at the Olympic Training Center

Six USA Judo coaches were rewarded for their dedication to the development of USA Judo during 2007 with a weekend of clinics at the U.S. Olympic Training Center from Jan. 11-13.

As announced in March 2007, USA Judo offered this opportunity to any USA Judo club with more than 100 registered members to bring a coach to the Olympic Training Center. 

USA Judo delivered as promised: This past weekend the following club coaches arrived in Colorado Springs for a unique OTC experience.  

• Ruben Martin (Burleson, Texas / Ruben Martin Judo Training Center)
• Bert Becerra (Garland, Texas / Becerra Judo & Jujitsu)
• Randy Firth (Gainesville, Texas / Denton Jr. Optimist Judo Club)
• Angel Perez (Miami, Fla. / Champion Martial Arts)
• Dr. Ruggero Galici (San Diego, Calif. / San Shi Judo)
• Tim Hart (McCall, Idaho / McCall Judo Club)

On Friday evening, the six coaches participated in a two-hour clinic led by two-time World medalist Danieska Carrion along with athletes and coaches from throughout the region. 

After their evening stay at the OTC, the six coaches participated in a private clinic Saturday morning with Carrion and Ryan Reser, one of the top-10 73kg players in the world in 2007.

Following the clinic, the coaches were recognized and congratulated in a special presentation at the OTC Winter Classic Tournament by USA Judo Board member Lance Nading. 

The group took a guided tour of the Olympic Training Center and had dinner with USA Judo CEO Jose H. Rodriguez and Director of Athlete Performance Eddie Liddie at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort on Saturday night.  During dinner, Rodriguez and Liddie shared with the coaches USA Judo’s plans for 2008 and beyond. 

On Sunday morning, the coaches left  to share their experiences with members of their home clubs.

“We’re trying to take a big step forward in recognizing those who are working every day to help grow our sport in dojos around the country,” said USA Judo Board Member Reno Reser.  “By doing this program, not only was it a great experience for everyone, but we’re also hoping to inspire other coaches to continue their hard work