On Sunday, March 3, 2013, the New York Athletic Club along with co-sponsor Film Annex and Francesco Rulli hosted the 3rd annual New York Open Judo Team Championships. This year there were teams competing from Russia, Canada, Germany, France and two teams from the U.S.A. Bouncer Chronicles was in attendance for this special international event.
Judo, meaning “gentle way,” is a modern martial arts and Olympic sport created in Japan in 1882 by Jigoro Kano. The objective is to either throw or take down an opponent to the ground or otherwise subdue an opponent with a pin or force an opponent to submit with a joint lock or a choke.
Each team consists of five athletes in the following weight classes measured in kilograms (kg): 66, 73, 81, 90 and 90+. A total of $10,000 in prize money is at stake. The team tournament winner will walk away with the top prize of $7,000 along with medals and a huge team trophy. The second place team will receive $3,000.
Also attending this year’s international event were dozens of beautiful models supplied by Katia M Sherman of Major Model Management. This unlikely matching was the brain child of Thomas Courtney who runs Models Web Television.
Unlike a normal judo tournament this team competition had a very sexy feel that included unique lightning of the gym, DJ La Rush spinning top beats and two mat commentators. Team Germany won this tournament the last two years and was ready to defend their title.
After a full day of competition, Team France beat the Germans in the finals. U.S.A Team “B,” led by Anthony Venetti and Shintaro Higashi placed third.
Final team standings:
- France
- Germany
- U.S.A. Team “B”
- Canada
- U.S.A. Team “A”
- Russia
