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Southern California Judo Blackbelt Association
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NANKA HALL OF FAME BANQUET ANNOUNCED
On Sunday January 7th, 2007, one of the largest judo organizations in the United States, The Southern California Judo Association (Nanka), will come together to honor its founders, pioneers and elite members. This prestigious event, the Nanka Hall of Fame Banquet, is being presented for only the second time in the organizations long history.
We were hoping to honor a lot of the oldtimers who consistently over the years have dedicated their lives to the development of judo and our youth. In addition we hope to honor and encourage our champions to continue to be a presence in our sport long after the competitive years have past. Noteworthy are our champions like AnnMaria De Mars who didn't disappear from sight after becoming America's very first World Champion, but continues to be a driving force in developing judo not only here but throughout the United States. Gene LeBell, one of our early pioneer Grand Champions and Legend Tosh Seino who still get on the mat and hold their own. Nanka is rich with traditions that are uncelebrated gifts. If we don't celebrate them why should others stick around or follow their lead, said Nanka president Hayward Nishioka.
Befitting the scope of this event, the banquet will be held at the elegant Sheraton Delfina Hotel in Santa Monica. With ocean views and a sumptuous menu, this venue will host Californias judo community in grand style. Doors will open at 5:00pm for cocktails and hors doeuvres, followed by a dinner of Lobster Bisque; Salad Caprese with Vine Ripened Tomato, Buffalo Mozzarella, Basil and Olive Oil; Grilled Boneless Chicken; New York Strip Steak; Seared Salmon, and more. Included with the awards presentation will be an historical video, a raffle (Grand Prize: 5 nights in Hawaii), door prizes and entertainment to follow.
Induction into the Nanka Hall of Fame will be based on the following criteria:
Long years of dedication and service to judo, Administration of judo local, national and international, Refereeing
Coaching, Teaching at dojo, Spreading judo through the media, Being a role model, Creating other leaders.
To remain as impartial as possible, the Selection Committee will be made up of unnamed senior Nanka members. Currently, 34 nominations have been accepted. Every single person on the list is a great candidate. The selection committee is going to have a tough time.
Gene LeBell, Gene Mauro, AnnMaria DeMars, Hayward Nishioka, Frank Emi, Isao Wada, Ernie Smith, Harry Kaisaki, Mr. & Mrs. Ed Osugi, Mr. & Mrs. Nori Maeda Mr. & Mrs. Kaichi Jerry Hays, Chuck Fuertsch, Sumikichi Nozaki, Tom Akiyama, Howard Takata, Toshi Seino, Mickey Matsumoto, Frank Emi, Elizabeth Lee, Lucille Hagio, Frank Morales, Kenji Taketani, Glenn Koyama, Low Dong, Herb Webb, Wataru Namba, Greg Fernandez, Osvaldo Zarantonello, Sam Akioka, Keigo Morishita
Although this list is impressive, it is by no means complete. There are many more who certainly deserve to be recognized. Nominations for the Nanka Hall of Fame will continue to be accepted through 10/31/06. To submit a nominee, please email the name and a brief summary of their accomplishments to jeffbruner@charter.net. Final honorees will be announced in early November.
The Nanka Yudanshakai (Southern California Black Belt Association) was founded in 1930 with just 15 black belts among 8 dojos. Today, approximately 40 member dojos provide high quality judo instruction to 1,500 members, making Nanka is the fourth largest judo organization in the United States. Nanka has produced World Champions, Olympic Team Members and National Champions. However, an important focus of Nanka remains instruction in a safe environment to the youth of Southern California. Nanka clubs contribute to the physical health and emotional development of all participants while teaching discipline, self-respect and the self-esteem that comes from accomplishing a difficult task through hard work.
Reservations for the event can be made by downloading the reservation form from the Nanka website, www.nankajudo.com and following the instructions. Tickets are $50.00 for adults, $30.00 for Juniors 16 and under. Also offered is a Family Package (2 Adults, 2 Juniors) at $120.00. Tables of 10 are discounted 10%. Seating is limited. Please reserve early in order to assure a space at this exclusive event.
For further information, or to receive a reservation form, please contact Jeff Bruner at jeffbruner@charter.net or call 818-324-4371.
