United States Judo Association

08/05/2026

Introducing JudoPedia - a free learning app for USJA members

Dear USJA Members,

I am excited to announce the release of JudoPedia, a new learning app developed by Luis Silva and me as a free educational resource for the United States Judo Association.

Our goal was simple: create an easy-to-use study tool that helps judoka prepare for their USJA promotion examinations while making learning more engaging and accessible.

JudoPedia is built specifically around the USJA promotion requirements and is organized by belt rank, making it easy to study exactly what you need for your next promotion.

The app includes:

• Study guides covering the required history and Japanese vocabulary for each rank.

• Interactive games to reinforce knowledge in a fun and engaging way.

• Video demonstrations of the required techniques for each promotion examination.

• Content organized by belt color, allowing students to focus on the material relevant to their current rank.

Whether you're a new white belt beginning your judo journey or an experienced judoka preparing for your next promotion, we hope JudoPedia becomes a valuable companion in your training.

The app is available free of charge in both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. Simply search for JudoPedia to download it.

This project would not have been possible without the contributions of several outstanding members of our judo community. I'd like to extend my sincere thanks to:

• Luis Silva for his tremendous work developing the app.

• Abdoul Karim and Alex Rodriguez for serving as ukes during the filming of the techniques.

• Jeremy Presutti and Gary Sing for their excellent videography and production work.

• Harrisburg BJJ & Judo East for the use of their state-of-the-art facility.

Their time, expertise, and dedication helped make this resource a reality.

I hope you'll download JudoPedia, explore its features, and share it with your students and fellow judoka. This is just the beginning, and we look forward to continuing to improve the app and expand its content over time.

Thank you for your continued support of the USJA and for everything you do to grow the sport of judo.

Respectfully,

David Brogan, President
United States Judo Association

07/09/2026

The USJA’s promotion of Kayla Harrison to 7th Dan was featured in the docuseries Kayla Harrison: The Road Back.

Check it out!

She's back at American Top Team.In Episode 4, Kayla Harrison retu...

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