NJ Judo State Open Championships

The NJ Judo State Open Championships was a great success this year and will only grow in the upcoming years. This year's championships hosted a total of 305 competitors from over 45 dojos! There were male and female junior divisions starting at age 5 and up to 17-18 years old. Also, male and female Seniors novice-brown belt and elite divisions. There were also 2 masters divisions (men's over 40 years old) light and heavy weight.

This tournament started in the 1970's and is currently run by Anthony Camal, President Of New Jersey Judo Inc., a group B member of USA judo. The name of the event was changed to the NJ Open 3 years ago to allow judokas from all over the country to come and compete.

The following athletes received a special award for their outstanding performance:

Best Technique Elite Black Belt: Khushbakht Kurbonmamadov (Mayo Qaunchi)
Outstanding Male Elite Black Belt: Solomon Jujua (Georgian Wrestling Club NY)
Outstanding Female Elite Black Belt: Regina Arias (Tech Judo)
Outstanding Teenage Competitor: Ruslan Izerkin (Liberty Bell Judo)

This was the first year the event was hosted at Hudson County High Tech High School in Secaucus, NJ. The school is brand new and a state-of-the-art technical school. The venue was second to none with large screens showing live action of the matches going on and side screens showing matches also!

Clyde Worthen, Head instructor at Tech Judo, was instrumental in securing the venue and helping a great deal with table workers, set up for tournament, and all technical help with the Care systems on and electronic score boards!

All the proceeds from the event go into an athlete’s fund which helps NJJI members travel and compete at National and international.

In 2017, proceeds were split $4,000 for kids to go to the USA Judo Junior Olympics; $3,000 for the Quebec Open; $3,000 for the USA Judo Senior National Championships; and $2,000 for the US Open. In 2018 the NJJI gave out over $8,000! This year we had a great event and will be giving out over $10,000!

“I would like to thank everyone who helped us at this event and all the teams that came from New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut,” said Anthony Camal. “Next year will be even better as we figure out how to make this event a must attend!”

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