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Judo - the Family Sport
by Jim Hrbek, Judo America
For most of our Judo lives we have known that our sport has something to offer to everyone. It is good for men and women, boys and girls. In many, many ways, Judo is the perfect sport for families.
We have known that but - wait - let's really look at it.
When Colleen MacDonald and Alex Ottiano broke through and won their divisions at the 1999 USJI Senior National Championships this year, they did more than that. Being National Champion is a sufficiently impressive credential by itself. Consider this - they became new members of a group of siblings who have been Senior National Champion. Mind you, brothers and sisters who have been not placewinners, but who have been actual Senior National Champions. Colleen's brother Chris won in 1995 and Alex's sister Jen (Ottiano) Ferragata won in 1992.
About one month later, at the Canadian Senior Nationals, Sophie and Maxime Roberge each won their divisions - and Patrick and Catherine Roberge each finished with Silver medals at the same event - nearly a hat trick - nearly a grand slam - to use some other sports' terminology for exceptional accomplishments.
Other siblings - brother/sister, brother/brother or sister/sister teams - who have accomplished BOTH of them, or even ALL of them, becoming a National Champion are Irwin and Steve Cohen (USA), Phil and Tina Takahashi (CAN), Tanya and Jimmy Pedro (USA), Jenny and Jessica Gal (Holland). Japan has THREE Nakamura brothers. Keith and Colin Morgan (CAN) are the only twins to do it. Sophie Roberge and brother Maxime have won Canadian Nationals and there are more Roberges fighting. - and let us not forget the Cote brothers, Roger and Robert from Quebec.
In the hunt among up-and-coming players are Canada's Kawasaki sisters, the Carriers, Muszynski's and the Gallogley's. From the US there are Irwin Cohen's sons, Aaron and RJ, who have the chance to do what their father and uncle did. There are three Bartkowski sisters, three McNulty sisters, two Minkin sisters, three Ellises, and two each of Yannetsos and Meece. Among the very young but successful are the Spikers from Hawaii, and the Blakelys from California.
Multiple Senior National Champions among brothers and sisters has been a great achievement for those who have made it. For those who still have the opportunity - what a great goal!!
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