Member News

April 22, 2008    

USA Judo celebrates Beiju with President Emeritus Yosh Uchida

Mr. Yosh Uchida

Notable members of USA Judo were in Saratoga, California on Saturday honoring Mr. and Mrs. Yosh Uchida's birthdays and celebrating Beiju with the President Emeritus and his wife.

A private reception was held at the Uchida home that overlooks the valley to San Jose.

Former World Champion and four-time Olympian Mike Swain and area athletes and coaches that included Keith Nakasone, Dan Kickuchi, Chuck Jefferson, Anna Palmer and Kenny Hashimoto joined USA Judo President Dr. Ron Tripp as guests attending the event. 

"I am very happy I was able to join Mr. And Mrs. Uchida for this wonderful celebration today. There were athletes spanning decades of San Jose judo tradition here today, including Vaughn Imada and Yuzo Koga, to mention a few," Dr. Tripp said.

The 60-year dynasty created by Mr. Uchida at San Jose State University is unrivaled in American judo. San Jose teams have won 43 National team Championships and San Jose athletes have brought home more World and Olympic medals than any other program in U.S. history.