This is the US judo team that will be competing at the World University Games in Taipei, Taiwan during August of 2017.
06/01/2017
The 2017 Summer Universiade in Taipei --- The USA Judo Board of Directors will match funds up to $5,000 for all donations made in the month of June towards the U.S. World University Games Team!
Help support the collegiate athletes by donating today>>> http://www.teamusa.org/USA-Judo/Features/2017/June/01/BOD-To-Support-The-2017-World-University-Games-Judo-Team
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
Colton Brown and I, Harry Kendall, have officially resigned from our positions as the team coach and team manager. The decision was made when we were informed the NCJA would not pay for our airfare and lodging to the world games. But this in no way diminishes our commitment to making this trip memorable and special to all of the athletes and families. We will continue to help raise money and record your journey here. As far as we are concerned, our level of attention to your needs and organizational issues will not change.
We remain committed to making this the highlight of your judo experience.
https://www.facebook.com/WUGUSA/about/?entry_point=page_nav_about_item
Uni-USA The official page of the U.S. delegation for the World University Games, World University Championships
FUNDRAISING
The fourteen athletes profiled on this page have earned the honor of participating in the second largest sporting event in the world after the Olympics: the World University Games. The trip is entirely self-funded and is estimated to cost approximately $3,500 per athlete. Each athlete is now engaged in fundraising and could use your help.
Online fundraising sites are effective, but take a percentage of the amount contributed. So, if you know an athlete, a direct contribution would be more impactful than going through cloud funding. And, if tax deductions are part of your goal, contributions can be made through the National Collegiate Judo Association.
There is much to do to get to Taiwan in August, 2017 for the competition. Please lend a hand and a few dollars to help the members of the United States World University Judo Team make their dreams come true.
Harry Kendall
510.559.0317
10/01/2016
09/30/2016
Name: Jacob Nickel
College: University of Texas at San Antonio
Major: Multidisciplinary Studies Business, Communication, and Kinesiology
Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
Hometown Club: Universal Judo
Competition Division: Male - 81kg
Competition Results:
(2014)
3rd National Presidents Cup
(2015)
1st San Jose Buddhist
2nd Winter Nationals
(2016)
3rd Sr. U.S. Nationals
09/29/2016
Name: Aaron Fukuhara
College: Long Beach State
Major: Kinesiology
Hometown: Torrance, California
Hometown Dojo: Gardena Judo Club
Competition Division: Male - 60 kg
Competition results:
(2009)
3rd Sr. U.S. Nationals
3rd Sr. U.S. Open
1st Dallas Invitational
(2010)
3rd 2010 Sr. U.S. Nationals
2st Sr. Pan American Championships
(2016)
1st Collegiate Nationals
2nd USJF Summer Nationals
09/28/2016
Name: Destinee Nagtalon
College: San Jose State
Major: Biology
Hometown: San Jose, California
Hometown Dojo: San Jose Buddhist Judo Club
Competition Division: Female - 48kg
My name is Destinee Nagtalon, and I am currently a -48kg player for San Jose State University. I am a senior at SJSU studying Biology, with hopes to either teach or continue to physical therapy school after I graduate. I have been doing judo now for 15 years with San Jose Buddhist Judo Club. I love giving back to the judo community, whether it be through volunteering at various judo events, or help teach and coach young students. Watching the kids that I help succeed, is simply one of the best feelings in the world. I knew once I transferred to San Jose State from a community college, I wanted to compete internationally again. I had previously competed in Hungary and El Salvador when I was in high school, and was probably one of the best experiences that I’ve had competing in Judo. I am incredibly blessed to return to the international stage alongside my teammates from SJSU. Whenever I am not on the mat, you can find me trying new foods and cuisines around the Bay Area, or playing video games! I enjoy dressing up at various conventions such as Anime-Expo and Fanime Convention. A few cosplays that I have done are Lucina from Fire Emblem Awakening, Rey from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and Spider-Gwen from the Spider Verse.
Please join me and my teammates on this journey to Taiwan!
Judo Highlights:
2009
Bronze - Pan American Juvenile Championships Cadet World Championship Team
2010
Silver - US Junior Nationals
2011
Silver & Gold - Youth and Scholastics Championships
Bronze - Junior US Open
2014
Gold - Youth and Scholastics Championships
2015
Silver - National Collegiates
5th - Senior Nationals
Gold - UC Davis Western Conference
2016
Gold - San Jose Buddhist Memorial Tournament
Gold - National Collegiates
5th - Senior Nationals
09/27/2016
Name: Miranda Imamura
College: Fresno State
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Fresno, California
Hometown Dojo: Fresno Judo Club
Competition Division: Female - 57kg
My name is Miranda Imamura. I am a Fresno State student and hoping to be accepted into the nursing program in the Spring. My grandfather is a ninth degree black belt in judo and my father and all of my uncles are also black belts in judo. Although judo pretty much runs in our family, I am the only grandchild that has stuck with judo. When I'm not training, I enjoy watching Netflix (I'm obsessed with Stranger Things and Grey's Anatomy.) I also am a huge movie buff and especially enjoy Marvel movies. I love to travel to new places and hang out with friends and family.
Judo Accomplishments:
USJF/USJA Jr. National Champion:
2004, 2009, 2010, 2012- Gold
National Collegiate Judo Chanpionships:
2014- Silver
2015- Bronze
2016- Gold
Senior National Championships:
2014- Bronze
I also have competed and trained in Japan.
Was promoted to Shodan by the United States Judo Federation at age 14
09/24/2016
Name: April Fehr
College: San Jose State
Major: Kinesiology major, pre med
Hometown:
Hometown Dojo:
Competition Division: Female - 70kg
Career highlights
Jr. National Champion
Jr. World team
5th at Sr. Nationals
Hobbies: eating, napping, and skiing