History
Judo America San Diego is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. It was founded as a college club in February 1972 by Gerald Lafon, a young returning USMC Vietnam veteran, and was originally named San Diego City College Judo Club. With each growth spurt, the club renamed itself: first to Byakko Judo Club in 1974, then Byakko Judo Institute upon becoming a non-profit corporation in 1982, followed by San Diego Judo Inc. in 1990 before finally settling on Judo America San Diego in 1995.
Mission Statement
Judo America San Diego is a non-profit organization dedicated to the development of the individual. Through the discipline of Judo, we build character and promote physical fitness and positive social values. We provide a safe environment for students to channel their natural aggression into self-control and teamwork, and we encourage the development of personal excellence.