Tag Archives: IJF

Move over IJF!

Posted on August 7, 2011 by Gerald Lafon

As more people become disenchanted with IJF, and now EJU, the word “mafia” is starting to be associated more often with these organizations.  Coaches and players are feeling the brunt of the economic demands imposed by IJF and EJU.  We … Continue reading →

Posted in Judo Competition, Judo Development, Judo Politics, Judo Rules | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Class Warfare: the commercialization of Judo competition

Posted on July 14, 2011 by Gerald Lafon

About a year ago, I discussed the direction the IJF was taking with gis.  Manufacturers were required to meet Judo industry standards (a good thing), distributors were required to pay huge fees to become official IJF sponsors, and their “IJF … Continue reading →

Posted in Judo Competition, Judo Politics | Tagged , | 6 Comments

Olympics or Survival?

Posted on July 13, 2010 by Gerald Lafon

I had the pleasure of attending the referee meeting during the USJA-USJF Junior National Championships in Irvine, California. Although I couldn’t stay for its entirety- I needed to head over to the USJA Board meeting, which unfortunately was held at … Continue reading →

Posted in Judo Competition, Judo Development, Judo Rules | Tagged , , , | 17 Comments

Wielding Economic Power

Posted on January 5, 2010 by Gerald Lafon

To the best of my recollection, nothing has awakened or maddened the Judo community like the new IJF rules, which make their debut in 2010. My greatest fear is that in spite of all the grumbling and anger, Judo people … Continue reading →

Posted in Judo Rules | Tagged , | 5 Comments

Hansoku Make, IJF!

Posted on December 29, 2009 by Gerald Lafon

If you thought refereeing was too complicated, or that we have too many incompetent referees on the mat, or that there are too many controversies in Judo competition, wait until you see what we have been served up by the … Continue reading →

Posted in Judo Competition, Judo Rules | Tagged , , , | 23 Comments

Oversight of Judo Referees

Posted on September 16, 2009 by Gerald Lafon

Back in May, I came across an article in the San Diego Union entitled U.S. Soccer not hesitant to red-card its Officials. Since I’m a soccer player, I immediately knew the meaning of red-card, and was intrigued. A red card … Continue reading →

Posted in Judo Rules | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

World Championships for Small Countries

Posted on August 26, 2009 by Gerald Lafon

It isn’t often that I agree with the direction the International Judo Federation (IJF) is taking Judo, especially with the rule changes recently announced. However, I must give kudos to IJF president Marius Vizer for his next project, which is … Continue reading →

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