Sunday, June 9, 2019

2019 Promotions

Our team has had quite a few promotions so far in 2019. Congratulations to everyone who got a new belt this year! 

Denver got promoted to Brown Belt
Gerry and Morgan got promoted to Green Belts
Jake got promoted to Brown Belt
Josh got promoted to Brown Belt
Russel got promoted to Purple Belt
Sydney got promoted to Yellow Belt
Will got promoted to Brown Belt

We're excited to see our Judo family growing in numbers and skill. We hope you'll join us on the mat on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 9.00 or Tuesday and Thursday nights at 6:30. Check out our website at www.wcijudo.com for more info and upcoming events. 








2019 Nationals

USA Judo Nationals 2019 are over. Blaine Duhs was our star player today. After breaking a rib during his very first match he went on to place 5th in -100kg and got Silver in Masters Open. Joe Taylor and Stefan Habsburg both fought in -90kg and Senior Open. Joe placed 7th in -90kg. Well done to our team! It's always a great experience to spend the day doing Judo with top Judoka.




Tuesday, September 11, 2018

THIS SATURDAY!! - Kokushi Midwest Judo Grand Opening

This Saturday, September 15, one of our sister clubs, Kokushi Midwest Judo, will be having its official Grand Opening. You won't want to miss this opportunity to visit and train with Judoka from all of the Illinois area. Led by Grace Talusan, Kokushi Midwest Judo, has a new and beautiful dojo complete with a much envied sprung floor. There will also be clinics by Eiko Shepard and Amarilis Savon.

Our team will be taking a group to go celebrate with Grace's team. We hope to see you there! Details below.

Date: THIS SATURDAY, September 15
Time: 10am-4pm
Place: 1814 Glenn Park Dr
           Champaign, IL 61821
Fee: $50 for participants
         FREE for spectators
*You must have a valid Judo registration card to participate

Congratulations to Grace and the Kokushi Midwest Judo Team on their new place! We are excited to come celebrate with you.


Thursday, August 30, 2018

Mark Your Calendars! - Upcoming Bonnie Korte Clinic

October 21 - Bonnie Korte Clinic
1:00 - 3:00 pm
* more details to come

Bonnie Korte is one of the top female judoka and has been so since before women's judo was given the recognition and respect that men's judo had. A long time friend of Coach George, Bonnie will be giving a Judo Clinic on Sunday October 21 at our Hollis Park location. Mark your calendars! 



Tuesday, August 7, 2018

Visiting National Medalist and Referee THIS THURSDAY

This Thursday at our evening class we will be having a guest. Tracy Hangley is a National Medalist and Referee. If any of you have been to local tournaments, you've probably seen her either performing a kata or as a referee. We hope you can make it this Thursday to meet Tracy. 

Date: Thursday 8/9/18
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Hollis Park Rec Center
                10107 S. Vine Street
                Mapleton, IL 61547
                        

Saturday, August 4, 2018

Blaine Duhs Medals at AJJF Tournament Today

2018
ATJA & AJJF National Judo Championships
American Judo & Jujitsu Federation
and
American Traditional Jujutsu Association
Date: August 4, 2018



Just got an email from Blaine about the tournament in Atlanta, GA he was at today. Blaine's good friend Josh White set this up and Blaine was excited to attend. Here's his initial report back.

 ********* 

 After a long day of fighting (did I mention long?) I won two and lost two in the Heavy Weight Black Belt Division. The only guy that was under my weight was the first match. Everyone else had me by twenty or better. Fought to a Bronze in the Heavy. More on that later. 

In the Open division I did revenge one of my loses from the Heavy to a 290lb Russian Competitor. But then later in the bracket I lost to him by a Wazari.  And again in the open Mark Fletcher and I clashed like Titans. Mark is a monster!! 

Overall I had a great time. I’m in one piece. And the club is bringing home some more hardware. Seven hard fought matches and I’m going to find some Ibuprofen and a nap!!!

Blaine Duhs 

***** 

Congratulations Blaine!

Wednesday, August 1, 2018

Upcoming Tournament - Gateway Invitational


The annual Gateway Invitation Tournament is coming up! Here are the details: 

Date:                         October 6, 2018
Time:                        8:00 am
Location:                  Overland Community Center
                                  9225 Lackland Road
                                  Overland, MO 63114
Sponsor:                  White Dragon Judo Club
More Information:  USA Judo's Website HERE

We will be taking a team. If you are interested in going, let Coach George know so we can set up rides. Big thanks to White Dragon Judo for sponsoring this event again. We look forward to seeing everyone there!