Many new and exciting things have taken place since my last message. Judo Ontario is continuing to work diligently to improve our sport in all possible areas. I would like to thank the office staff and all the chairpersons and their committees for their hard work, dedication, and leadership to our sport.

I wish to thank and acknowledge the Dojoshus who made their clubs available to allow Judo Ontario to conduct the various programs. I wish to thank Phil Makela and his team that conducted the Ontario Winter Games shiai in Huntsville, and congratulate all the Regions and athletes that participated and their success at this year’s event.

JO CONSTITUTION:

As promised in my December 2009 message, our Constitution was reviewed, discussed in detail and updated by the tendered constitutional lawyer. This document will be finalized and should be available on our website in the near future.

Please have a look at the newly implemented “Judo Ontario Executive Chart” also on our website. Just click on “Organization” and download the chart. This chart shows the future Judo Ontario Board and will be implemented after the 2010 election of officers.

Judo Ontario is continuing to work closely with the Ministry of Health and Promotions to ensure that we follow the criteria set out for all provincial sports. They are continuing to assist us in maximizing our opportunities to increase funding.

HPC-TRAININGS/CAMPS:

Among other training sessions, the 2009 Christmas Camp was led by the High Performance Committee chairperson, Craig Weldon. There was an overwhelming participation of over one hundred and fifty judoka from across the province, plus many coaches and dojoshus. As well as many parents observing their children for the two days training. Sensei Hiroshi Nakamura, was the featured instructor, assisted by, 2008 Olympian, Nicholas Triton and Kelita Zupancic who has also made her mark as an international competitor. Kelita is in the running for the 2012 Summer Olympics.

NCCP COMITTEE:

Mohamad Hassani, Chairperson and his committee have made incredible progress across Ontario under his leadership with this program. It is imperative that everyone instructing and coaching judo must obtain the various levels of the National Coaching Certification Program. Please see our website for upcoming NCCP events and dates.

GRADING COMMITTEE:

Wayne Erdman and his Committee are continuing to conduct seminars and schedule grading for 2010 in various cities. Please check the Judo Ontario website, under events for the upcoming scheduled seminars/grading dates and locations.

DIFFERENTLY ABLED:

This program which Jack Polonsky was so passionate and active is now headed by Lym Campos, North Region. Lym and the committee will strive to continue with Jack’s commitment to develop awareness and the potential of differently Abled individuals throughout Ontario. They are committed to endeavor to work on the following three major goals for 2010 -2011.

A. To further expand Judo’s horizon in Ontario to allow athletes of different abilities to have a central location to train and prepare for events and competitions.

B. To continue to ensure on-going free Judo Ontario memberships for differently Abled athletes.

C. To continue to further expose differently Abled Judo throughout Ontario with presentations, seminars, and demonstrations.

REFEREE COMMITTEE:

Mike Flynn and his committee have been actively conducting referee clinics at various events to bring the referees, coaches, and athletes up to date with the newest and constantly changing referees rules handed down to us by Judo Canada from the International Judo Federation. Most of these rules have already been implemented in our tournaments. I encourage all competitors, dojoshu and coaches to attend any upcoming clinics to keep abreast of these new rules.

SANCTION COMMITTEE:

A special thanks to Steve Campbell and his committee for the time and effort in preparing the Judo Ontario Shiai Standards and Event Sanction Policy. This document is to assist and guide the organizers, participants, coaches, referees and parents. The sanction process and operation of Shiai across the Province of Ontario has been standardized for the well being of all Judo Ontario Members. Please see our website under Sanctioning to plan and coordinate your event. It has

Judo Ontario is pleased to see that our membership is growing. I want to remind all clubs and judoka to ensure that everyone is a registered and paid up member of Judo Ontario.

With the coming of spring, I want to wish our athletes the best of luck in the upcoming junior and senior National Championships!

Yours in Judo,

Charlie Formosa
President