What is the Alliance?

The Alliance is a moderated internet discussion group for serious Judo coaches. The group will discuss via electronic mail (in English) all matters pertaining to the coaching and training of athletes in the Olympic sport of Judo. The level of discussion is expected to be that of the national and international level. Moderator and founder of the Alliance is Gerald Lafon, 5th dan, Director of Coaching at Judo America San Diego.

Purposes of the Alliance

The non-profit International Judo Coaches Alliance is solely formed for the following purposes:

  1. To provide educational assistance and support to Judo coaches throughout the world
  2. To provide Judo coaches with a voice at the international level
  3. To improve the professional standing of Judo coaches
  4. To share coaching and training information
  5. To exchange ideas and concepts
  6. To improve the effectiveness of Judo training programs
  7. To help resolve common problems vis a vis athletes, training, national/international organizations, etc.

Goals of the Alliance

Among other things, the International Judo Coaches Alliance expressly proposes to:

  • Collect and disseminate coaching material
  • Discuss problems and issues such as:
    • Rules
    • Qualifications and licensing of coaches
    • Standardizing taxonomy and biomechanics
  • Issue "position statements" on various topics
  • Provide training advice to the Judo community
  • Influence IJF discussions regarding the direction and growth of Judo, rules and coaching qualifications

How to Participate in the IJCA

The IJCA has three levels of membership and participation. They are as follow:

  • IJCA Member- an entry level membership which allows you to only read posts to the IJCA discussion list.
  • IJCA Associate Member- this level allows you to read and post to the IJCA discussion list after the moderator has approved your posts.
  • IJCA Full Member- this level allows you to read and post to the IJCA discussion list without being moderated.

Once you have decided that the goals and the purposes of the Alliance fit your needs, and that you are prepared to discuss national and international level coaching and training in the Olympic sport of Judo, you may become a member of the Alliance by:

If you are sponsored into the Alliance by a Full Member of the IJCA, your sponsor will recommend you for IJCA Member or Associate Member status. Upon receiving the recommendation, you will receive an application to fill out.

If you are applying for membership without sponsorship, fill out the IJCA application form. At this point your request for membership will either be denied or approved. If it is denied, you may reapply at a later date. If your membership is approved, you will receive confirmation of your membership status and be subscribed to the IJCA discussion list.

For further information regarding the International Judo Coaches Alliance please email info@judoamerica.com.

Return to IJCA Home Page