Chuck Jefferson

American judo has another World Champion! Sebastian Teran of Ki-Itsu-Sai National Training Center in Florida captured the -55kg title at the 2026 Cadet World Championships in Guayaquil, Ecuador, becoming just the second American ever to win a Cadet World Championship. The 16-year-old Teran, who trains under longtime coaches German Velazco and Jhonny Prado, has been steadily making his way up the international ranks. A lifelong judoka, Teran entered the World Championships as the No. 1-ranked...

Over the past four years, the San Jose Open has grown into one of the largest and most respected judo tournaments in the United States. That success has never belonged to one person or one organization—it has been built by the athletes, coaches, clubs, referees, volunteers, and families who have supported our events year after year. Today, I'm excited to share the next chapter of that journey. Beginning with the 2026 San Jose Open, the tournament will be sanctioned by Judo United and will no...

The 2026 Golden State Open delivered one of the most exciting weekends in American judo this year, welcoming nearly 1,400 entries from athletes ranging from 5-year-old beginners to elite Senior and Veteran competitors at the Los Angeles Convention Center, future home of judo during the LA28 Olympic Games. Among the many standout performances, two young athletes rose above the rest. Rose Ortiz of Guerreros Judo Club in La Puente, California, and Thor Guerrero of Hawaii Judo Academy were...