01/04/2026
January 3, 2026
Hello to our Red River Judo Family,
I remember, probably 7 years ago, Sensei Dave Klier and I sat in Tailgaters, because it was across from the main avenue location, eating wings and talking shop after no one showed up for the Friday night open mat. He was about one year into his black belt and I *think* I was just getting back from my knee surgery. As we sat there, we naturally started talking about our goals in Judo and what we wanted to do. At this point Dave was really the leader of the club and I was the judo equivalent of a sous-chef and as the previous generation stepped away to tend to things, we found ourselves in the precarious position of being “in charge”. So, what was the plan? Do we want to continue with Red River TKD, do we want to try to find our own place. And 100 other questions, including names, logos, methodologies and so on. So, after long conversations the initial goal was set. To get more people, to increase our footprint, and then, after that, start looking for our own place.
After relocating to the 4th Ave location and experiencing the change in ownership, Dave, Melissa, and I were faced with the challenge of rebuilding from the ground up. The process spanned several years, during which some members departed, others returned, and we navigated considerable stress. With the support of many, Red River Judo was able to open its own dedicated dojo in September, the first independent judo facility in the Fargo-Moorhead area in many years.
By having our own location, we have been able to offer more classes, allow for more flexibility, and options for our students. But reaching this goal has brought up a new set of challenges, and it is with the support of all of you that we will continue to work through these challenges and provide an amazing training experience. Judo for all of us is a labor of love, and we cannot thank you enough for your support.
This past year we held two successful seminars with returning clinicians Megumi Ishikawa and Shintaro Higashi. We have continued to be supported and mentored by Sensei Tim Cruff and Sensei Steve Cohen. We cannot thank these four people enough for all their continued support and guidance.
We would also like to extend a special thank you to the parents of Red River Judo. Your support and encouragement mean so much to us. Judo is a very technical martial art that requires years to learn properly, it’s not something that can be absorbed overnight. It is truly a lifelong pursuit, and you play a vital role in keeping your children involved. It’s your conversations after class, and on the car ride home, that help keep them excited. We cannot stress enough how important your role is in your child’s judo journey. Thank you all so much.
On a personal note, Mel and I want to give a special thank you to our teaching staff, Coach George, Coach Ally, Coach Justin, Sensei David, Sensei JD and Sensei Cruff for all they have done. I have said it before and it remains true, without the selfless support of this group of people, Red River Judo could not have gotten to this point.
As with every year since Mel and I found ourselves the steward of the Red River Judo legacy, more changes will certainly come. Some easy, some challenging, but we know that with the support of all of you, our community will continue to grow and thrive.
Warmest Regards,
Sensei Steven Fick.
