Welcome to Medina Judo Club!
Medina Judo Club is a brand-new after-school program designed to bring the values and benefits of judo to elementary school students. Our program focuses on building confidence, respect, discipline, and teamwork while introducing children to the fundamentals of this Olympic martial art in a safe and supportive environment.
Through fun and engaging practices, students will develop coordination, physical fitness, and problem-solving skills on and off the mat. At Medina Judo Club, we believe in nurturing strong character as well as strong bodies, helping every child grow both as an athlete and as a person.
Judo Around the world
Judo is one of the most widely practiced sports globally, with millions of participants across every continent. It is not only a competitive sport but also part of physical education programs in many countries.
In Japan, judo is a standard part of school curricula, teaching children discipline and respect from an early age. Other countries such as France, Brazil, Russia, and South Korea have also incorporated judo into their education systems, making it an international pathway for youth to engage in the sport.
Through its widespread practice and integration into schools, judo connects communities worldwide, creating a shared culture and tradition that spans generations and continents.
What is Judo?
Judo is a modern Olympic martial art that began in Japan in the late 1800s, created by Jigoro Kano in 1882. It teaches kids how to use balance, leverage, and technique instead of strength, and it’s practiced safely on mats with throws, pins, and learning how to fall correctly.
Judo became the first Asian martial art included in the Olympic Games in 1964 (Tokyo), and has grown into one of the most practiced sports in the world.
More than just a sport, judo helps children develop respect, self-control, confidence, and resilience. The word judo means “the gentle way,” reminding students that the goal is not to hurt others, but to learn, grow, and become stronger both physically and mentally.
Meet Our Senseis!
Tyler Yonemori
Head Coach
Sensei Tyler has over 20 years of experience in judo. Originally from Hawaii, he moved to Massachusetts in 2011 to train under Olympic coach Jimmy Pedro, where he trained alongside U.S. Olympic medalists during the 2012 and 2016 Games.
As an athlete, Tyler is a National Champion and former member of the U.S. National Team. His career also took him to Japan, where he spent two years training at Nittai University, further developing his skills at one of the top judo programs in the world.
In addition to his competitive accomplishments, Tyler has made a lasting impact as a coach. He founded Jr. Team FORCE, producing multiple national champions, and later served as a coach for the U.S. National Team FORCE, working with athletes at the highest levels out of Pedro’s Judo Center. With over a decade of coaching experience, Tyler has taught students of all ages—from 4-year-olds taking their first steps on the mat to adults honing their skills.
Sensei Tyler brings a wealth of international experience, technical knowledge, and a passion for teaching to every class, inspiring the next generation of judoka.
Sensei Tyler also shares his expertise online through YouTube tutorials, where he breaks down judo techniques and concepts to help students and athletes around the world improve their skills.
Check out his YouTube videos here
Micah Nagoya
Assistant Coach
Sensei Micah Nagoya is a third-generation judoka with over 20 years of experience on the mat. She is the head coach at Washington Judo Academy in Kirkland, WA, which she founded in 2022. As a competitor, Micah represented her dojo at both national and international events, gaining valuable experience that she now shares with her students. Under her leadership, youth athletes from the dojo have gone on to represent Team USA at the Pan Am Judo Championships.
That same year, she also established Kokusai Judo, an organization dedicated to providing top U.S. athletes with the opportunity to train in Japan, the birthplace of judo. Through her coaching, mentorship, and international connections, Micah continues to inspire and develop the next generation of judoka both on and off the mat.
Michael Jung
Chair of Medina judo Club & Parent Volunteer
Michael Jung began his 30+ year judo journey at the University of California, Berkeley and continued training at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and the University of Minnesota. Over the years, he has competed both nationally and internationally in Veterans (formerly Masters) Judo competitions, gaining extensive experience and a deep understanding of the sport.
With decades of practice and competition, Michael Jung brings a wealth of knowledge, skill, and passion to every class, helping students of all ages grow as judoka.
Why is Judo Good for Kids
Judo is more than just a sport—it’s a way for kids to grow both on and off the mat. Through fun and active training, children learn how to move their bodies, work with others, and solve problems in a safe and positive environment.
Some of the key benefits of judo for kids include:
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Confidence & Self-Esteem – Learning new skills and earning belts builds pride and motivation.
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Respect & Discipline – Kids practice bowing, teamwork, and good sportsmanship every day.
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Fitness & Coordination – Judo develops strength, balance, and agility in a fun, engaging way.
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Focus & Resilience – Students learn to set goals, overcome challenges, and keep trying.
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Lifelong Skills – Judo is practiced worldwide, giving kids the chance to connect with others across cultures.
At Medina Judo Club, our goal is to help every child feel strong, confident, and supported while having fun learning this Olympic martial art.
USA Judo Olympians
Jimmy Pedro
Jimmy Pedro is one of the most accomplished American judokas in history. A four-time Olympian, he earned bronze medals at the 1996 and 2004 Olympic Games and became World Champion in 1999. He has also been inducted into the International Judo Federation Hall of Fame.
Jimmy graduated from Brown University with a degree in Business Economics and Organizational Behavior & Management, and he holds a 7th-degree black belt in judo. After retiring from competition, he coached the U.S. Olympic Judo Team, guiding athletes such as Kayla Harrison, Travis Stevens, and Ronda Rousey to Olympic success.
Dr. Rhadi Ferguson
Dr. Rhadi Ferguson is a distinguished 2004 Olympian in judo and a highly respected educator and coach. He holds a sixth-degree black belt in judo and a fifth-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
A multi-sport standout at Howard University—where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1997—Dr. Ferguson went on to complete a Master of Arts in Teaching (2002) and a Ph.D. in Education (2009).
He has served as an adjunct professor at Howard University and previously at the University of Central Florida and University of Tampa, sharing his expertise in sports science and judo.
Dr. Ferguson’s leadership extends beyond the classroom—from coaching at elite levels to advancing inclusivity in the sport. He currently leads Tampa Florida Judo, serves as chair of the USJA’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, sits on the USJA Promotion Board, and took home the prestigious USJA President’s Award in 2024 for his outstanding contributions to judo.
John Jayne:
John Jayne is a rising star in U.S. judo, known for his strong international track record. A former competitor for Great Britain, he now represents the United States and earned a spot at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in the men’s 90 kg category. A back-to-back medalist at the Pan American-Oceania Championships, he took bronze in 2022 and 2023, and silver in 2024 and 2025.
On the academic side, John brings a sharp analytical mind to the mat. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Chicago (2019) and holds an MSc in Mathematics from King’s College London (2022).
