Location
Judo America San Diego is located in Mira Mesa, a northern community of San Diego.
History
Judo America San Diego is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. It was founded as a college club in February 1972 by Gerald Lafon, a young returning USMC Vietnam veteran, and was originally named San Diego City College Judo Club. With each growth spurt, the club renamed itself: first to Byakko Judo Club in 1974, then Byakko Judo Institute upon becoming a non-profit corporation in 1982, followed by San Diego Judo Inc. in 1990 before finally settling on Judo America San Diego in 1995.
Corporate Identity
Judo America San Diego is a charter club of the U.S. Judo Association. A Board of Directors, consisting of five members chosen from among our participants, parents and coaches, governs the corporation. The club is solely supported by activity fees and tax-deductible donations.
Mission Statement
Judo America San Diego is a non-profit organization dedicated to the development of the individual. Through the discipline of Judo, we build character and promote physical fitness and positive social values. We provide a safe environment for students to channel their natural aggression into self-control and teamwork, and we encourage the development of personal excellence.
Special Events
In addition to our regularly scheduled classes, Judo America San Diego also hosts the following events:
- Coach education courses for players and parents
- In-house tournaments, a prelude to the more competitive tournaments
- Inter-club workouts to give our students a wider array of partners
- Social outings: camping, rock climbing, pool party, picnics etc.
Sister Clubs
These are clubs with which we have a special relationship:
Kino Judo Club in Tijuana, Mexico, coached by Guillermo Figueroa. Kino Judo Club is a big supporter of our club tournaments. Coach Figueroa's son and daughter have trained at Judo America.
El Centro Judo Club in El Centro, California, coached by Susan Marquez. Coach Marquez's students attend our classes on many Fridays. Our clubs plan joint training sessions and travel to tournaments together. We also cooperate on social outings.
Yamagata Medical School Judo Club in Yamagata, Japan, coached by Dr. Hiroshi Takei. He and his three children trained at Judo America for two years. During that time, Dr. Takei quickly became fond of the non-traditional training methods at our club. Several of Dr. Takei's medical students have visited the United States and trained at Judo America . Coach Lafon has also been a guest instructor at Dr. Takei's club.
Aztec Judo Club in San Diego, California, coached by Tim Mount, one of Coach Lafon's black belts. Coach Mount's students have been guests at our club workouts on many an occasion. He continues to lend a hand with the coaching on days when Coach Lafon is at out-of-town tournaments. |
