DON’T MISS THIS CLINIC!! Former World Champion and “Godfather of Newaza” Katzuhiko KASHIWAZAKI coming to DC Area on May 9th and 10th. Register HERE. NOW.
Shufu Judo Yudanshakai presents the Spring 2026 Shufu Judo Yudanshakai Junior and Senior Promotional Examination Saturday, April 25, 2026 at Beltsville Community Center 3900 Sellman Road, Beltsville, MD 20705 United States Judo Federation Sanction # 26-04-03 This event is Preregistration Only. There is no onsite registration. Eligibility to register for promotion All judoka must be a current member of the USJF, USJA, or USA Judo . (USJF members are eligible to be promoted at this event. USJA and USA Judo members may request to be examined and have their results forwarded to the appropriate organization.) For Shodan – current year plus one year prior membership in USJF For Nidan and above – current year plus three years prior membership in USJF Promotion Requirements being used The Shufu Board of Examiners has implemented the changeover to the USJF promotional requirements. The 2026 Shufu Spring Promotional will follow the “2021 USJF Senior Rank Promotion Requirements”, available on the Shufu website under Promotions. All ranks within Shufu’s promotion authority are required to do the physical testing, i.e. all ranks through and including Godan. Rokudan and above are not required to do physical testing; Kata requirements still apply as required[...]
Shufu Judo Yudanshakai in cooperation with Shodokan Martial Arts Center presents the Spring 2026 Shufu Judo Yudanshakai North Junior and Senior Promotional Examination Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Shodokan Martial Arts Center Located at 123 Park Street Beverly, MA 01915 Alberto Agudelo and Powell Dixon (local contact) Miki Takemori (event coordinator – Mtakemori@aol.com) United States Judo Federation Sanction: 26-05-03 This event is Preregistration Only. There is no onsite registration. Eligibility to register for promotion All judoka must be a current member of the USJF, USJA, or USA Judo. (USJF members are eligible to be promoted at this event. USJA and USA Judo members may request to be examined and have their results forwarded to USJA.) For Shodan – current year plus one year prior membership in USJF For Nidan and above – current year plus three years prior membership in USJF Current Promotion Requirements The Shufu Board of Examiners has implemented the changeover to the USJF promotional requirements. The 2025 Shufu North Spring Promotional will follow the “2021 USJF Senior Rank Promotion Requirements”, with link also available on the Shufu website under Promotions. USJF Junior Rank Recommendations are listed in Matrix form. All ranks within Shufu’s[...]
Register HERE for the Takemori/Kashiwazaki Clinic Waivers will be available on site. For minor judoka unaccompanied by a parent or guardian, please have the parent or legal guardian download, print, and sign Waiver to bring to this event.
US Teams Compete at the Eastern Canada Open Kata Championships
March 29, 2026
Report by Margie Kettle
The Eastern Canada Open Kata Championship was held on March 21 and 22, 2026 in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Canada. Ninety-five teams competed in Nage, Ju No, Kime, Katame, Goshin and Itsutsu.
Several of the teams were from the United States, including Lori Latimer, Kristin El Idrissi, Christine Levine (from Philadelphia) and Molly Sauter, Grace Hossler, Jon Kivel, Lynn Graham, Nathaniel Phelps, and Jason Berl (from New York).
Lori Latimer and Kristine Levine placed 3rd in Ju No Kata in a field of 8 teams, which included the reigning Canadian champions.
Competitors competed not only for the gold (and glory) but also were able to test for promotion.
The judges represented both Canada and the US, the judging skill level ranging from new national judge to well-honed IJF.
The teams battled snow to get to the venue and it snowed again all the next day. Kudos to the amazing Canadian snow plows which had the streets cleaned by 3:30 when the competition was completed and travelers headed home.
Sensei Edwin Takemori Retiring as USNA Coach
Sunday, May 3, 2026 at NOON at USNA, Annapolis, MD
This newsletter is presented in memory of Malcolm Hodges who was a dedicated Shufu and Washington Judo Club member for many years and wrote and was the editor of the monthly Shufu Shinbun newsletter.
Did you know that Shufu has an Athlete Funding Program?
Shufu’s Athlete Funding
Program provides reimbursement ($150 to $300) for athletes competing in National and
International level events. Juniors, Seniors, Masters/Veterans, and Kata competitors
can all apply to the Shufu Athlete Funding Program. If you have been a member of Shufu for at least 2 years and have participated in any of the events listed below, then you should consider applying for Shufu’s Athlete Funding Program!
2025 USA Judo Youth National Championships
2025 USA Junior Olympic National Championships
2025 USA Judo Senior National Championships
2025 USA Judo President’s Cup
2025 US Open
2025 USJF/USJA Nationals
2025 Pan American Cups or 2025 Pan American Championships
2025 IJF Point Events (Grand Prix, Grand Slams, or Championships)
Please note that these are not the only tournaments which will be considered for funding.
Please go to the Funding Support for Athletes link for the complete details.
