United States Judo, Inc. (USA Judo) Market Research Report

Background

United States Judo, Inc. (USA Judo) serves as the National Governing Body (NGB) for the sport of judo in the United States. Established in 1982, USA Judo is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to enabling U.S. athletes to achieve sustained competitive excellence in domestic and international judo competitions. The organization also focuses on promoting and growing the sport of judo across the nation. As a member of the International Judo Federation, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, and the International Blind Sports Association, USA Judo plays a pivotal role in the American judo community.

Key Strategic Focus

USA Judo's strategic objectives include:

Athlete Development: Providing comprehensive training programs and resources to nurture athletes from grassroots to elite levels.

Event Organization: Hosting national and international judo competitions to offer platforms for athlete exposure and experience.

Community Engagement: Collaborating with local clubs and organizations to promote judo participation and education nationwide.

Partnerships: Forming alliances with institutions like the United States Performance Center to enhance training facilities and support services for athletes.

Financials and Funding

In the fiscal year ending December 2022, USA Judo reported:

Revenue: $2,268,750

Expenses: $2,402,761

Net Income: -$134,011

Net Assets: $355,938

Revenue sources included contributions ($854,499, 37.7%) and program services ($1,394,959, 61.5%). Expenses encompassed executive compensation ($137,301, 5.7%) and other salaries and wages ($456,369, 19.0%).

Pipeline Development

USA Judo's development initiatives focus on:

Youth Nationals: Scheduled for March 29-30, 2025, in Salt Lake City, UT, aiming to identify and nurture young talent.

Senior Nationals: Planned for May 24-25, 2025, in Birmingham, AL, providing a competitive platform for elite athletes.

Junior Olympics: Set for June 20-22, 2025, in Bedford Park, IL, focusing on junior athlete development.

Technological Platform and Innovation

USA Judo leverages various technological platforms to enhance its operations:

Online Training Resources: Access to training videos through the American Judo System, designed by Olympic medalists Jimmy Pedro and Travis Stevens.

Club Management Systems: Partnerships with official club management partners to streamline operations.

Event Management: Utilization of official competition management systems to ensure efficient event organization.

Leadership Team

As of January 13, 2025, Corinne Shigemoto serves as the Chief Executive Officer of USA Judo. Shigemoto has an extensive history with the organization, previously holding roles such as Chief Operating Officer, Director of Membership Services, and Director of Event Services. She is a four-time national champion and served as the Women's Olympic Team Coach at the 1996 Atlanta Games.

Leadership Changes

In January 2025, Corinne Shigemoto succeeded Keith Bryant as CEO of USA Judo. Bryant had led the organization since 2016.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The U.S. judo market comprises various organizations dedicated to promoting and developing the sport. Key players include USA Judo, the United States Judo Association (USJA), and the United States Judo Federation (USJF). These organizations collaborate and compete in areas such as membership services, event organization, and athlete development.

Competitor Analysis

United States Judo Association (USJA): A 501(c)(3) organization focused on supporting the Olympic sport of judo and its founding principles. In 2022, USJA reported revenue of $405,324 and expenses of $391,807. The organization is led by President Peter Mantel.

United States Judo Federation (USJF): Another prominent judo organization in the U.S., focusing on the development and promotion of judo. Specific financial and leadership details are not provided in the available sources.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

In March 2023, USA Judo partnered with the United States Performance Center to establish a resident athlete development program in Charlotte, N.C. This collaboration offers athletes access to training facilities, sports performance assistance, and educational opportunities at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Operational Insights

USA Judo's strategic initiatives, such as partnerships with performance centers and the organization of national events, position it as a leader in the U.S. judo community. The organization's focus on athlete development and community engagement differentiates it from competitors.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

USA Judo aims to expand its reach by enhancing training programs, increasing membership, and strengthening partnerships. The organization plans to leverage technological platforms to improve athlete performance and operational efficiency.