Celita Schutz Graduate of Yale University Rank: Yodan (4th degree black belt)
Background:
Over 35 years of experience in judo. Began training at a young age under Sensei Ogasawara at Kokushi Dojo. Became nationally ranked at age 14 and internationally ranked at age 16. Extended international training in Japan, Spain, Germany and Brazil. Captain of the 1996 US Olympic Women's Judo Team. Held consecutive #1 ranking in the United States for seven years. Achieved highest ranking of 5th in the World with expert coaching of Sensei Matsumura, Technical Advisor, Performance Judo Academy.
Selected Accomplishments:
1996 Olympics, Atlanta 2000 Olympics, Syndey 2004 Olympics, Athens 2x World Team Member US Open International Champion Multi-time International Medalist 6x National Judo Champion 2x US Olympic Committee Female Athlete of the Year, Judo Ultimate Female Titan 2x Grapplers Quest BJJ Champion ADCC North American Champion, 2007 Certified Personal Trainer,NASM
Y. Matsumura
Technical Advisor
Y. Matsumura Graduate of Kokushikan University, Japan Rank: Hachidan (8th degree black belt)
Background: Over 50 years of competing and teaching experience in judo. He has perfected many techniques and is considered one of the leading technicians in judo in the world. Began his teaching career at Kokushikan University, Japan in 1962. Since then he has taught clinics nationally and internationally. He has coached teams from Japan and Isreal in international competition. In addition, he has coached many US athletes to success in judo at the national, World and Olympic levels. l
Koji Sonoda
Advanced Performance Members Koji Sonoda Rank: Nidan (2nd degree black belt) Age: 34
Nick Philliou
Nick Philliou Rank: Shodan (1st degree black belt) Age: 35
Suzy Bendezu
Suzy Bendezu Rank: Shodan (1st degree black belt) Age: 27
Chris Pizzo
"Captain" Chris Pizzo Rank: Ikkyu (1st degree brown belt) Age: 33
