~Participation in the USA Judo Presidents Cup and meetings with Chairman of USA Judo~
This is an article of the Dallas Open and the Presidents Cup held in Irving Texas on November 19th and 20th.
1. What is the Presidents Cup?
The Presidents Cup is held every year just before Thanksgivings, and is one of the top 3 judo championships in the United States, with the two others being US Senior Championship and the US Open, Every year this event is held over 2 days. The 1st day I s the local event (Dallas Open) and the 2nd day is the main event, the Presidents cup. Both are USA Judo events.
2. Event Site and Participants
The event site is the same as last year, Irving Convention Center in Irving Texas – a 15 minute drive from DFW.
925 participants from all over the country gathered in different classes. The one large difference compared to Japan is that anyone can participate in this event!!
If there are more than 900 people, it will take from early morning to late at night even on the 8 mats!! Thank you to the referees.
3．Results
Joey who I coach at the Tohkon Judo Academy participated in 2 classes in the Dallas Open and won two Gold Medals!! Last year was Bronze and couldn’t win Gold where I only saw his disappointed face for the whole year. So winning Gold here was a great accomplishment for him as well as for myself. For sure this will become a confidence builder for Joey,Mike and Trent, the high school kids struggled as the competition level becomes more intense with age. Let’s train more and revenge next year.
Enemies on the mat but friends here
Great Job Joey!!!
Good Job Mike!!(Left)
Let’s win the best color next time
4．Meeting with USA JUDO Chairman
One other large objective was to meet with Keith Bryant (Chairman) and Ed XXXX (High Performance director) with regards to my activity as the Youth Development Coach.
Although not confirmed, in preparation for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, there is a plan for an Olympic Center were camps may take place. Due to this, I am planned to be busier next year. There’s still a lot to do before USA is ready to coach Judo Medalists, but I am honored that USA Judo is seeking my assistance here. I vowed to continue to promote Judo in hopes to increase the population as well as supporting the high prospect athletes. This was the meat of my meeting with Keith and Ed.
Ed, myself and Keith
5．Meeting old Friends
It’s been a while as my last event was the GKJN Cup in June, but this time I was able to meet with many kids that were part of my Clinic all around the country. I did find some kids that were ALL USA level or maybe an Olympian Level which they were showing good results. Since there is no Judo infrastructure as there is in Japan, I need to find these kids with my eyes and provide recommendations and give them the opportunity for higher level training. Last event of this year where my goals are set for 2023.
The Oklahoma Girls
Nice to see you again!!!
Thank you for good time in Texas!!
