The Winter Friendship Tournament was hosted by the Konjo Judo Club in Imperial, Missouri on December 12, 2015. This tournament yielded a nice turnout of junior judokas. Missouri Martial Arts and a few other neighboring judo dojos were represented at this tournament. The tournament is directed to juniors and those who would like to know how an actual shiai judo tournament is ran. It takes a lot of work. There are so many people behind the scenes making the tournament function like a machine. Referees are needed and can get better by participating in these tournaments. If you are interested in judo or assisting in the function of a judo tournament feel free to contact us or check out the website at www.whitedragonjudo.com.

Many judokas have come and left White Dragon Judo Club. It is always good to have a member come back and train again. Wednesday, December 2nd’s judo practice witness the return of James Nash. Mr. Nash is a mainstay in White Dragon Judo history. He is one of many students under Sensei Derick Wellman. James is most known for being a mat technician, a true student of the martial art. He approach judo like a science and could explain the Olympic sport to point that even a three year old could understand. James was and still is one of the best junior level instructors. His technique was beautiful and flawless. The best judokas in the club have had nothing but respect for his judo IQ. James is now married to his lovely wife Debbie and they have a beautiful little girl who is three now. White Dragon Judo Club would like to congratulate James on his return and his service to judo.

The Dallas Invitational and National President’s Cup was held at the Irving Convention Center in Irving, Texas on November 21-22, 2015. The 6 member team of TEAM WHITE DRAGON brought their A game against a stacked competitive talent pool. The coaching staff consisted of Andrew Lazarz, Blair Watts, and Eugene Hamilton. At the Dallas Invitational, Byron Helmich made his White Dragon Judo Club debut at 66kg. The young judoka had his worked cut out for him but was able to hold his own during his matches. Although he did not medal it was a great learning experience for him. Phillip Vojta also made his debut under the White Dragon label. He took silver in the junior 77kg division. Anna Feygina went 2-2 on the day and collected gold in the Master’s 57kg category. Jay Baker took the bronze in the Master’s light division. Adnan Gutic gain some much needed points to qualify for the 2016 Paralympics. He took 5th at 90kg. Marissa Arndt scored bronze in what is to be her last tournament under the White Dragon logo. In the Presidents Cup, Anna Feygina navigated her way to a bronze medal at 57kg. Jay Baker also took bronze in the brown belt category. Adnan Gutic took his 3rd consecutive Master’s gold of the year.

White Dragon Judo Club joined to celebrate Blair Watts’s retirement from the University City Fire Department on November 14, 2015. This was an awesome event filled with family, friends and Blair’s favorite beverage, BEER. For over 25 years Blair has pretty much seen the good, the bad and the ugly in his occupation. He has been a selfless servant to his community and his dojo. When asked what he would do after retirement, he said, “I am going to be a judo bum.” After 25+ years of selfless service, he deserves the rest. Congratulations Blair.

The World Military Games got underway at KAFAC Indoor Sports Complex in Seoul, Korea on October 2, 2015. White Dragon Judo Club’s Anna Feygina represented Team USA in this illustrious event. Anna trained very hard for this event. She traveled all over the United States for training camps for this event. She entered a talented weight pool and did not medal. White Dragon Judo Club would like to thank Anna Feygina for her service to her country, judo, and TEAM USA.

Members of White Dragon Judo Club attended the grand opening of the new Konjo Dojo on October 10, 2015. The Konjo Dojo is run by 7th dan Randy Pierce. The dojo is a very spacious facility located on a hill in Imperial, Missouri. The dojo is also equipped with locker rooms, dining area, and good wi fi reception. The judo club has yielded huge interest in the sport of judo. Crystal Pierce, Randy’s daughter, runs the junior class. The workout consist of brief instruction from Sensei Pierce and nonstop randori. After the workout, many people were able to see and ask about the Wall of Fame. This area consist of the numerous medals, trophies and awards that Sensei Pierce has recieved over the years. White Dragon Judo Club would like to congratulate Randy Pierce and the Konjo Dojo on their grand opening.

The 5th annual Gateway Judo Tournament got underway at the Overland Community Center in Overland, Missouri on September 19, 2015. Tournament director, Derick Wellman has seen this tournament grow into one of the best judo tournaments in the state of Missouri. For the second consecutive year in a row Lou Paez and Dan Dillon were the coaches for Team White Dragon. In the junior division, Georydan Burrows made an excellent debut by scoring bronze. Her teammate Cameron Duffield scored silver in his weight class. Sam Coln displayed great improvement but was unable to crack the medal stand. Jeric Gumahin scored a silver. Issac Valdez De Soto scored his second consecutive gold with a nice tai otoshi in his gold medal match. Riesen Riley won gold showing off her superb athleticism. Anthony Darevsky was a man on a mission. He dominated his category taking the gold via osaekomi. In the senior division, Eric Fink and Anthony Weeks took silver medals in the perspective weight classes. Robert Handshy continued to improve with a silver medal performance. Bat Unur “The Batman” Erdenebayer shook off the rust taking a bronze medal in his division. Adnan Gutic took his 4th Gateway gold medal dominating his division. In the revamped Veteran’s category, Lou Paez fought his way to a bronze medal. Glenn Trotter rounded the team with a silver medal finish.

The ParaPan American Games to place at Mississauga Sports Center in Toronto, Canada on August 13, 2015. Adnan Gutic and Marissa Arndt represented White Dragon Judo Club with strong performances for Team USA. Adnan Gutic took 5th in a strong field of judokas. Marissa Arndt won bronze in the women’s 57kg category. With this performance, both judokas have earned points towards making an appearance at next year’s Paralympics. Picture courtesy of USA Judo

Representatives of White Dragon Judo Club conducted a judo demonstration at the Overland Summer Camp at Buder Elementary School on July 17, 2015. Supervised by Sempai Demonn Smith, Korbin McNabb and Reyes Elliot-Arango showed their friends and family the many techniques they had learned at the dojo. The duo peaked the interest of their peers young and old. Their execution was flawless and they gave their audience a taste of what judo was all about. Now that you have seen a demonstration, come out and be a part of the judo experience. You won’t know if judo is for you unless you try it. What do have to lose? The first class is free. Classes are starting now and there is plenty of room on the mat. So get out there and have fun! We hope to see you on the mat.

The NAGA Saint Louis Grappling Championships got underway at the University of Missouri-Saint Louis on July 18, 2015. The North American Grappling Association (NAGA) is the world’s largest mixed grappling tournament circuit. Glenn Trotter made his coaching debut at this event. Adnan Gutic displayed awesome newaza in a tough division. Gutic scored gold in the Gi category and bronze in the no gi class. Gutic ended the day at 6-1.