2012 was a year of prosperity and growth. The dojo has reached new heights and is the largest dojo in the state of Missouri. The dojo saw its judokas young and old achieve several goals. The year saw White Dragon Judo Club reach a single day junior practice attendance record. Attendance has grown tenfold due to an improved marketing effort, instruction, and a new junior promotion system. The new junior promotion system was very encouraging because it showed the junior judoka how much progress the individual was making. With the known progress, the judoka will return to practice and practice more to get better. The Friendship Tournament took on a new format. Instead of the event occurring annually, the tournament was directed towards junior judoka development and occurs every other month. White Dragon Judo Club was involved in 5 Friendship Judo Tournaments in 2012. Sensei Derick Wellman was not the only teacher giving out valuable judo instruction. New instructors had emerged to assist Sensei Wellman in his quest to spread the sport of judo.
From the junior ranks we saw the emergence of Anthony Darevesky. Anthony aspires to be an Olympic gold medalist in the sport of judo. Throughout the year Anthony worked countless hours, even joining the adult classes, working on his basic skills. Anthony only got better. Anthony competed at the 2012 Junior Olympics in Dalla, Texas. Although he did not medal, he managed to win his first match in national competition. Anthony received his green belt in September. He is the highest ranking junior judoka in the club.
Adnan Gutic fell short of making the US ParaOlympic Team but is still one of top judokas in the visually impaired and senior divisions. Tiffany Choi teamed up with Sensei Derick Wellman to win bronze in the kata division at the 2012 US Senior Nationals. Anna Feygina had a great year, winning numerous medals, placing 5th at this years US Senior Nationals and was ranked 9th nationally in her weight class. Demonn Smith placed 5th at the 4th IJF Grand Masters Championships.
White Dragon Judo Club hosted its 2nd annual Gateway Invitational Judo tournament. This tournament continues to grow and promises to be one of the largest regional judo tournaments in the nation.
In conclusion, the year 2012 was one of the most productive years in White Dragon Judo history. White Dragon Judo Club is currently the largest dojo in the state of Missouri. Families are registering their children for judo everyday and even the parents, family members are getting involved. Don’t miss out on the fun. 2013 is already looking to be a great year. We will see you on the mat.
White Dragon Judo Club: 2012 Year in Review
Posted by dsmith
on February 19, 2013
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