The Leonhard Recreation Center was venue for the 2016 Midwest Collegiate Judo Championships on March 13, 2016. The tournament was hosted by the University of Illinois (Illini) Judo Club. This tournament saw the officiating and White Dragon Judo Club debut of Bryan Enlow. Bryan makes his return to the mat after a 12 year hiatus. Derick Wellman and Randy Pierce were also among the 16 referees assigned to this tournament. Demonn Smith was the player/coach for Team White Dragon. The team was poised for a great showing in the first regional judo championship of the year. Jay Baker got off to a great start advancing to the quarterfinals in his division but later lost the momentum and failed to medal in this event. Bat Unur “The Batman” Erdenebayer competed in the lightweight division and failed to make to the medal podium. Demonn Smith took bronze in the super heavyweight division. Adnan Gutic showed great perseverance and determination going 5-1 on the day and scoring his first gold medal of the year.

The second Friendship Tournament of the year was hosted by Missouri Martial Arts in Housing Springs, Missouri on March 12, 2016. This tournament yielded the largest competitor turnout in Friendship Tournament history. Over 70 junior and senior judo players on the mat. Team White Dragon performed extraordinarily well. There were several superstars on this team. Veronica Booker probably had the throw of the tournament. These young junior superstars are the future of White Dragon Judo Club. Don’t hesitate to get your child involve in judo. Interested? Contact us and checkout our website at www.whitedragonjudo.com

White Dragon Judo Club got March madness started on the right leg with Promotion Night on Wednesday, March 2, 2016. With rank examiner Randy Pierce presiding, Eric Fink and Anthony Weeks were promoted to Nikkyu second degree brown belt. They are the second and third judokas promoted to this rank this year. Eric Fink has been in judo for six years. The Gateway Judo Tournament silver medalist worked hard every practice to make himself better on and off the mat. Anthony Weeks is a great example of a family that throws together stays together. The fighting patriarch of TEAM 3D, Anthony got into judo in order to keep up with his sons, Anthony and Ryland. He has contributed to the growth of judo as a parent, volunteer, coach and youth instructor. Eric and Anthony are just a few budding faces of White Dragon Judo Club that will be black belts one day.

Members of White Dragon Judo Club were in attendance for the Kirkwood Judo Club’s first open judo workout of year on February 20, 2016. There was a wide variety of judokas from across the midwest region also attending this workout. Newaza was the theme of this workout. Drills were conducted in order to improve the judokas ground techniques. The instructors stressed an offensive mentality in newaza. Attack even when you are on your back. Having good newaza skills is part of the equation of being an elite judo player. There will be many more open judo workouts throughout the year like this. Do you want to be a part of it? Contact us and checkout the website at www.whitedragonjudo.com.

White Dragon Judo Club hosted the first Friendship Tournament of the year on February 20, 2016. This tournament had a record attendance. The dojo was packed with judokas and parents. Competitors came from several dojos within the state of Missouri. The matches were very competitive and the junior judokas were learning and progressing. One judoka stood out above the rest. White Dragon junior judo student Ryland Darevsky won 6 of 7 matches. Ryland showed great technique for his level winning all of his matches via pin or ippon. If your child is not involved in judo it is not too late. There is plenty of room at this all inclusive dojo. Contact us or check out the website at www.whitedragonjudo.com.

It was a great judo practice on Wednesday, January 27, 2016. Jay Baker was promoted to Nikyu, second degree brown belt. Jay started judo in September 2012 while attending a class at his community college. He joined White Dragon Judo Club shortly thereafter and dedicated himself to the martial art. The college sophmore has come a long way in such a short time. Jay attended many practices and judo camps. He spent countless hours polishing his technique. At first, he did not do well in tournaments but with time and practice Jay started seeing results. Jay is a prime example of perseverance, desire and dedication. White Dragon Judo Club would like to congratulate Jay Baker on his current promotion.

White Dragon Judo Club commemorated the new year with there annual Holiday Party on January 23, 2016. Members of the judo club brought their families to fellowship and just plain have a GOOD TIME. Kids got to run around with limited structure and supervision. Parents, friends and family got to enjoy good conversation, food and joyful beverages. The year 2015 was a great year. 2015 saw the return of some old familiar faces and the growth spurt of many young judokas. Dedication, family, and perseverance has and will keep this dojo running for many years to come. White Dragon Judo Club would like to take the time to thank the parents, friends, and volunteers who take time out of their busy lives to help this dojo grow. There are so many activities that go on at this dojo. Don’t miss out. Check out the club’s website and two facebook pages. Happy 2016 from White Dragon Judo Club! We will see you on the mat.

Team White Dragon was on the road for January 10, 2016. The 2016 Hollis Park Judo Invitational took place at the Hollis Park Recreation Center in Mapleton, Illinois. Derick Wellman and Randy Pierce helped officiate this regional tournament. Demonn Smith was the official coach for Team White Dragon. In the junior division, Issac Valdez De Soto started off well and ended the day with a bronze medal. This tournament saw the White Dragon debut of Bobbie Jo Ridenhour. The Southeast Missouri State graduate showed off her superior newaza skill winning the gold via osaekomi. Glenn Trotter out shined youthful opposition in his category on his way to 3-0 on the day and a gold medal. Dan Raney was the MVP of the tournament with a gold medal in the heavyweight and open divisions.

The first promotion of the new year went to Dan Raney. He was promoted to Nidan, 2nd degree black belt on January 13, 2016. Dan Raney has been a solid mainstay in judo for more than 25 years. Dan started judo after a stellar high school and collegiate wrestling career. The Marine veteran has dedicated countless hours to the Olympic sport as an instructor and regional referee. Dan Raney is well known for his masterclass newaza. He teaches judo on Sundays and Mondays. There is plenty of room in his classes so get off the couch and get on the mat.

Kitokan Judo Club brought in the New Year right by hosting the first judo open workout of the year. The workout took place at the James J. Eagan Florissant Civic Center on January 3, 2016. Members of White Dragon Judo Club were in attendance with 7th dan Eiko Shepherd, head instructor of the club. Also in attendance were some notable judokas such as George Weers and Lee English. The workout consisted of a number of warm up exercise, Eiko style, nage komi drills, and randori. Sensei Shepherd strongly stressed the need to practice the basics of Judo. She stated the things you do in practice will translate to the tournament. The workout was followed by a wonderful feast. The year will be full of tournaments and open workouts within the state. This year is an Olympic year and it will be a memorable one.