What is Judo?
Kodokan Judo is an Olympic sport, a martial art, a method of self defense, a physical education and a way of life. Judo is a Japanese term meaning "the gentle way." It stresses the principles of maximum efficiency with minimum effort and mutual welfare and benefit. Judo encompasses a wide range of techniques including throws, pins, joint manipulations, chokes, traditional forms and break falls. Judo was derived from the more ancient martial art of Jujutsu. Professor Jigoro Kano, the founder of Kodokan Judo, developed a martial art that was more than just a conglomeration of techniques. It is a way of life.
What is Virginia Judo Inc.?
Virginia Judo Incorporated (VJI) is officially chartered with USJI (USA Judo), the National Governing Body for Judo in the United States. Virginia Judo Inc. is an IRS 501 (c) 3 organization and is recognized as the State Governing Body for Judo. Donations to Virginia Judo Incorporated are tax deductable with IRS Tax Identification Number 0208551-2. VJI is an amateur athletic organization that fosters Judo, is governed by its own By-Laws with an active Executive Board and Board of Directors. Its annual meeting is normally held the morning of the Virginia State Open Judo Championships and special meetings are only called when necessary. All current adult members of Virginia Judo Inc. may vote at its annual membershhip meetings and have an opportunity to run for office during elections.
Membership in Virginia Judo Inc. provides the following advantages:
- Protection of amateur standing in all tournaments that USA Judo sanctions in the United States .
- Ability to participate in any USA Judo-sanctioned event in the U.S. for which he/she is qualified. This includes clinics and training camps. Furthermore, all National tournaments sanctioned by either USJF and USJA are open to qualified USA Judo members.
- Opportunity to represent the USA at the Pan American Games, Pan American Championships, World Championships, select international competitions and the Olympic Games!
- Participation in International Judo Exchange Programs.
- Members-only USA Judo Web site (Coming Soon!)
- Electronic members-only newsletter
- Hotel and other travel discounts for members only
- One million dollar liability insurance coaches or officials at sanctioned events or scheduled training sessions. No deductible.
- Excess Accident Medical Insurance for any injury occurring at a sanctioned event or scheduled training session. Membership includes a $25,000 medical insurance policy with a $2,500 deductible. "Excess" coverage means that it goes into effect after any other health insurance you might have.
- Discount registration to The Business of Judo National Conference (Coming soon!)
- Membership in your state judo organization. Through the state organizations, members can participate in their State Judo Government, subject to each state's by-laws. Members may represent their state as a delegate to the National Board of Directors meetings, serve on National Committees, and run for National-elected
office.
How to Become an Individual Member of USA Judo-Virginia Judo Inc.
To become an individual member of USA Judo-Virginia Judo Inc. please go to the USA Judo website at http://www.usajudo.org and register. This can be completed online or you may mail to USA Judo. If there are any questions or issues USA Judo has an office staff with their contact information located on the USA Judo website. They will be delighted to assist you. Please be sure to select Virginia Judo Inc. as your State Governing Body.
How to register your Judo Club with Virginia Judo Inc.
To be a recognized club with USA Judo-Virginia Judo Inc. (VJI) it is necessary to have at a minimum five current USA Judo-Virginia Judo Inc. members with the club located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is required that one club member who is in charge hold the rank of Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt) or higher in Judo. Please go to http://www.usjudo.org/forms.asp and completely fill out a USA Judo Club Form and send it to the Virginia Judo Inc. State Registration Chairperson at the below listed address. All USA Judo Club forms must first be sent to the Virginia Judo Inc. State Registration Chairperson for processing. If this is not done USA Judo will send the USA Judo Club form back as incomplete. Please send all USA Judo Club forms to:
Ms. Rachel Friedrich, Virginia Judo Inc. State Registration Chairperson, 11200 Lady Jane Loop, Apt. 303, Manassas, VA 20109
Please send the completed club form and check for $15.00 made out to Virginia Judo Inc. and a check for $50.00 made out to USA Judo.
Her email address is rathild@comcast.net. If there are any issues, complaints or suggestions they should be directed to Mr. Michael Landstreet, the Virginia Judo Inc. President. Mr. Landstreet's email address is mwljudo@msn.com.
USA Judo National Office Contacts
USA Judo
One Olympic Plaza Suite 505
Colorado Springs , CO 80909
Telephone: (719) 866-4730
Fax: (719) 866-4733
Jose H. Rodriguez, CEO: Jose.H.Rodriguez@usajudo.us
Ed Liddie, Director of Athlete Performance: Eddie.Liddie@usajudo.us
Monica Wright-Tafoya, Member Services Director: Monica.Wright-Tafoya@usajudo.us
Nicole Jomantas, Director of Communications and Media Relations: Nicole.Jomantas@usajudo.us
Angie Marino, Director of Marketing and Fundraising: Angela.Marino@usajudo.us
Sherrie Phillips, Manager of Event Administration: sportsconsult@aol.com
Corinne Shigemoto, Manager of Event Venues: corrinshig@aol.com
Alyssa Johnson, International Team Travel Coordinator: JohnsonA@usajudo.us