2024 USA Judo Senior National Championships: A Showcase of Talent and Determination

The 2024 USA Judo Senior National Championships, held at the Ontario Convention Center in Ontario, CA, over Memorial Day weekend, was an event to remember. Sponsored by Hatashita Sports, this championship attracted nearly 600 competitors from across the United States, converging to display their skills, determination, and the spirit of judo. The event was not only a competition but a celebration of the judo community, with judoka of all ages and levels participating and supporting one another.

Christopher Velazco: Dominating the -60kg Division

Christopher Velazco emerged as the 2024 USA Judo National Champion in the -60kg category. Velazco demonstrated exceptional technique and strategic prowess, overcoming a highly competitive field. Just coming back from his Senior World Championships debut in Abu Dhabi, his performance was a testament to his rigorous training regimen and unyielding dedication, earning him the top spot on the podium and the admiration of judo enthusiasts nationwide.

Dominic Rodriguez: Excellence in the -81kg Category

Dominic Rodriguez claimed the gold in the -81kg division, showcasing his superior judo skills and tactical intelligence. Rodriguez's journey to the championship was marked by decisive victories and a display of impeccable form. His ability to adapt and counter his opponents’ strategies was particularly noteworthy, solidifying his status as a leading judoka in the USA.

Johan Silot Suse: Silver Medalist in -81kg

Johan Silot Suse earned the silver medal in the -81kg category, displaying remarkable talent and tenacity. Despite fierce competition, Silot Suse's skillful maneuvers and perseverance shone through, earning him a well-deserved place on the podium and recognition for his outstanding judo performance despite falling to Hatashita & NYAC Teammate Dominic Rodriguez.

Daniel Liubimovski: Triumph in the -100kg Division

In the -100kg category, youngster Daniel Liubimovski stood out as the 2024 USA Judo National Champion. Liubimovski's powerful throws and resilient defense were key to his success. His dominance in this weight class was clear as he navigated through tough matches with skill and composure, ultimately securing the gold medal.

Anna Atkinson: Champion of the +78kg Division

Anna Atkinson's performance in the +78kg division was nothing short of spectacular. Atkinson’s combination of strength, agility, and technique allowed her to overpower her competitors and clinch the 2024 USA Judo National Championship title. Anna has been competing for over 15 years and having her achieve this feat is an incredible testament to her unwaivering dedication. 

On the kata side of the competition, Hatahshita Sports is proud to be working with some of the top Kata Judoka in the country. Their performances below are a testament:

Maria Mutia & Christine Levine: Champions in OPEN JU-NO-KATA

The pairing of Maria Mutia and Christine Levine achieved excellence in the OPEN JU-NO-KATA division, becoming the 2024 USA Judo National Champions. Their synchronized movements and deep understanding of kata were evident, making their performance a standout moment of the championships.

Christine Levine & Kristen El-Idrissi: Silver in OPEN GOSHIN JUTSU

Christine Levine, along with Kristen El-Idrissi, also secured a silver medal in the OPEN GOSHIN JUTSU category. Their display of self-defense techniques and collaborative harmony impressed the judges and audience alike, showcasing the depth of their kata expertise.

Kristen El-Idrissi & Lori Latimer: Fifth Place in OPEN KATAME-NO-KATA

In the OPEN KATAME-NO-KATA division, Kristen El-Idrissi and Lori Latimer finished in fifth place. Their performance demonstrated significant skill and coordination, highlighting their dedication to mastering the intricate art of kata.

The 2024 USA Judo Senior National Championships was a grand celebration of judo, bringing together athletes from across the country. Hatashita Sports was proud to sponsor the event and engage with the vibrant judo community. With nearly 600 competitors, the championships not only showcased the highest levels of judo talent but also fostered camaraderie and sportsmanship among participants. We look forward to supporting future events and witnessing the continued growth and success of USA Judo.

Here is a list of all of the Shiai Division Medalists:

Senior Women’s 48 kg
1. Malia Manibog (San Gabriel, CA / San Gabriel Judo)
2. Anne Suzuki (San Jose, CA / San Jose State University)
3. Liann Yamamoto (Hilo, HI)
3. Anat Tsyrlin (Fair Lawn, NJ / Colton Brown Training Center)

Senior Men’s 60 kg
1. Christopher Velazco (Coral Springs, FL / NYAC / Ki Itsu Sai National Training Center)
2. Joshua Yang (Los Angeles, CA / LA Judo Club)
3. Conor Uyekawa (San Jose, CA / San Jose State University Judo)
3. Jonathan Yang (Los Angeles, CA / LA Judo Club)

Senior Women’s 52 kg
1. Monica Reyes (Aiea, HI / Hawaii Judo Academy)
2. Emily Sway (San Diego, CA / San Diego Judo Club)
3. Malia Soberano (Aiea, HI)
3. Aubrey Genereux (Port Saint Lucie, FL / Ki Itsu Sai National Training Center)

Senior Men’s 66 kg
1. Ari Berliner (Schenectady, NY / NYAC / Jason Morris Judo Center)
2. Jacob Yang (Los Angeles, CA / LA Judo Club)
3. Lenny Sheynfeld (Staten Island, NY / Pedro's Judo Center)
3. Joshua Terao (Arlington, VA / Shobukan Judo Club)

Senior Women’s 57 kg
1. Nicole Cancela (Coral Springs, FL / Ki Itsu Sai National Training Center)
2. Noran Elmahroukey (New Providence, NJ / NYAC / Colton Brown Training Center)
3. Mayu Wise (San Jose, CA / San Jose State University Judo)
3. Jasmine Macias (La Puente, CA / Guerreros Judo Club)

Senior Men’s 73 kg
1. Emiliano Saucedo Goldschmied (Wylie, TX / Becerra Judo Club)
2. Weston Uyekawa (San Jose, CA / San Jose State University Judo)
3. Steven Boldbaatar (Bellevue, WA / Washington Judo Academy)
3. Antonio Alvarado (La Puente, CA / Pedro's Judo Center)

Senior Women’s 63 kg
1. Emily Jaspe (Hialeah, FL / Ki Itsu Sai National Training Center)
2. Nina Seoane-Scheitermaier (San Jose, CA / San Jose State University Judo)
3. Regina Arias (Elizabeth, NJ / Tech Judo)

Senior Men’s 81 kg
1. Dominic Rodriguez (Lehigh Acres, FL / NYAC / Ki Itsu Sai National Training Center)
2. Johan Silot Suse (Salem, MA / NYAC / Pedro’s Judo Center)
3. Davit Aghasaryan (Sunland, CA / Los Angeles Tenri Judo Dojo)
3. Nicolas Yonezuka (West Long Branch, NY / New York Athletic Club)

Senior Women’s 70 kg
1. Melissa Myers (Burnt Hills, NY / Jason Morris Judo Center)
2. Chloe Williams (Stafford, VA / Wall 2 Wall Martial Arts)
3. Nancy Nguyen (San Jose, CA / San Jose State University Judo)
3. Carla Genao-Butler (Seattle, WA / Seattle Dojo)

Senior Men’s 90 kg
1. Issei Barefoot (Charlotte, NC / Pedro's Judo Center)
2. Alexander Knauf (Yorkville, IL / New York Athletic Club)
3. Oleksandr Nyzhnyk (Los Gatos, CA / Nakano Judo Academy)
3. Ian Bouton (Garland, TX / Becerra Judo Club)

Senior Women’s 78 kg
1. Nicole Stout (Schenectady, NY / Jason Morris Judo Center)
2. Madeline Solis (Ducanville, TX / High Noon BJJ Team)
3. Alyssa Zawack (Denver, CO / Denver Judo)
3. Lydia Coleman (Elizabeth, NJ / Cranford JKC)

Senior Men’s 100 kg
1. Daniel Liubimovski (Staten Island, NY / Colton Brown Training Center)
2. Tokuzo Takahashi (Los Angeles, CA / Los Angeles Tenri Judo Dojo)
3. Jesse Butler (Westminster, CO / Hyland Hills Judo)
3. Geronimo Saucedo Goldschmied (Wylie, TX / Becerra Judo Club)

Senior Women’s +78 kg
1. Anna Atkinson (Tacoma, WA / Ippon Judo Dojo)
2. Racquel Richardson (Hollywood PAL Martial Arts)
3. Juliana Marquez (La Puente, CA / Guerreros Judo Club)

Senior Men’s +100 kg
1. Alex Semenenko (New York Athletic Club)
2. El Mehdi Malki (Norwalk, CT / El Idrissi Academy)
3. Kanta Ueyama (Burbank, CA / Los Angeles Tenri Judo Dojo)
3. Armen Babayan (Glendale, CA / Valley Judo Institute)

Senior Women’s Open
1. Juliana Marquez (La Puente, CA / Guerreros Judo Club)
2. Madeline Solis (Duncanville, TX / High Noon BJJ Team)

Senior Men’s Open
1. Avtandili Bogveradze (Brooklyn, NY / Denver Judo)
2. Daniel Barboza (Larkspur, CA / Griffin Judo)
3. Adham Ramadan (Oakland, CA / Griffin Judo)
3. Geronimo Saucedo Goldschmied (Wylie, TX / Becerra Judo Club)