United States Judo Association

04/30/2026

Members,

With the close of the first quarter of 2026, I am pleased to update you on the financial state of the United States Judo Association.

First and foremost - the USJA is strong. Due to the conservative fiscal stewardship of your Board of Directors, combined with increased promotion of Judo nationwide, our revenues are up 16% year over year. Even more encouraging, our ending balance in 2025 was 200% higher than in 2024.

As a result of this growth, the Board is excited to announce a USJA-sponsored seminar series featuring Rhadi Ferguson, Nick Delpopolo, and Shintaro Higashi. The USJA will cover all seminar-related costs, including travel, for selected USJA Chartered Clubs across the country. Clubs will be chosen based on how effectively they demonstrate that the seminar will help grow the USJA within their local community.

With the continued rise in popularity of Kosen Judo, these athletes were selected not only for their accomplishments in Judo, but also for their strong connection to the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) community. Our goal is for chartered clubs to collaborate with local Judo and BJJ schools to create impactful, high-energy events.

One proven model - successfully used at Kosen Nationals - is to host a full weekend experience that includes both a Kosen tournament and a seminar, offered free with USJA membership. By partnering with local BJJ clubs, you can present a compelling value: for just $75 annually, athletes gain access to both a tournament and seminar, along with injury insurance covering both Judo and BJJ at chartered clubs and sanctioned events.

Additionally, this presents a meaningful opportunity to grow relationships with BJJ club owners. By becoming USJA Chartered Clubs, they gain access to liability insurance, while also opening the door for collaboration such as offering Judo classes at their academies to introduce their students to the benefits of our art.

If your club would like to be considered for this sponsored seminar series, please email [email protected] with the subject line “Sponsored Seminar Series.” In your submission, include details on how you would organize your event: proposed location, date, structure, community partnerships, and, most importantly, how your plan will contribute to the growth of the USJA. Selections will be made on a rolling basis throughout the year as funds allow.

Thank you for everything you do to grow Judo. We encourage all clubs to continue going beyond regular classes - host tournaments, seminars, and community events to help expand the reach and impact of our sport.

Sincerely,

David Brogan, President

On behalf of the USJA Board of Directors

04/14/2026

Dear USJA Members and the American Judo Community,

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the United States Judo Association and the Pedros, it is with great pride that we announce the promotion of Kayla Harrison to the rank of 7th Degree Black Belt.

Kayla’s accomplishments in our sport are nothing short of historic. As a two-time Olympic gold medalist, she stands as the most accomplished American judoka of all time and one of the greatest competitors in Olympic judo history. Yet, what makes this promotion especially meaningful is not only what she has achieved on the mat—but what she has done for Judo beyond it.

Following her Olympic career, Kayla embraced a new challenge in mixed martial arts, where she rose to become a world champion. In doing so, she brought judo to a broader audience, demonstrating Judo’s combat effectiveness and inspiring a new generation to explore our sport. Through her continued success and visibility, she has helped expand the reach and relevance of Judo throughout United States combat community.

At the United States Judo Association, we believe that rank reflects more than competitive success. It recognizes leadership, character, and contribution to the growth of Judo at every level. Kayla embodies these values. Throughout her career in Judo and mixed martial arts, Kayla has demonstrated the principles of Judo—honor, integrity, courage, determination, and humility—in everything she does.

Notably, this promotion makes Kayla the youngest 7th Degree Black Belt in USJA history.

Please join us in congratulating Kayla Harrison on this remarkable and well-deserved achievement.

Sincerely,

David Brogan, President
United States Judo Association

01/11/2026

Such a great time with some of our members, two days of action packed seminars with clinicians Paulo Augusto & VP Steven Matias along with our Referees clinic by our Promotion Chair ohn Paccione ! From drills, techniques and Q&As !

01/10/2026

We are here with Referee Clinician and USJA Promotion Chair John Paccione from Coral Springs, Florida. This is the first portion of the clinic.

01/04/2026

Check out this video I made on the USJA's Kosen Rules!

https://youtu.be/m302j7XBK5g

If this seems like something you'd be interested in, next weekend, January 9-11, we are having a FREE Kosen weekend for USJA members in Harrisburg PA!

Friday we will have a seminar with Steven Matias (4th degree black belt in Judo, 2nd degree black belt in BJJ).

Saturday we will have a seminar with Paulo Augusto (7th degree black belt in Judo, 7th degree black belt in BJJ)

Saturday we will also have an IJF Judo referee clinic with John Paccione (7th degree black belt in Judo and National Referee). Come get certified!

Sunday we will have the Kosen tournament!

Registrations for the tournament ends tomorrow and can be made at https://smoothcomp.com/en/organizer/event/28374/registration

USJA membership is required for all events. Membership can be applied for at https://www.usja.net/

The USJA commits itself to spreading the art of Judo to the best of our abilities in the spirit of jita-kyoei, mutual benefit.

11/28/2025

How’s this for a Black Friday Sale?

We’re pleased to announce the 2025 USJA Kosen Nationals weekend will take place January 9-11th. The cost? FREE for USJA members!

January 9th: Adult Kosen seminar with 4th degree Judo black belt and 2nd degree BJJ black belt Steven Matias. As you know, Steve is also the USJA Vice President!

January 10th: Kids and Adult Kosen seminars with 7th degree Judo blackbelt and 7th degree BJJ black belt Paulo Augusto. Sensei Augusto is possibly the only man alive to hold 7th degree black belts in both arts.

January 11th: Kosen Judo tournament (kids and adults).

We will also be holding a public meeting of the USJA Board of Directors on January 10th.

David Brogan
USJA President

Information and registration can be found at

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