New York Open Team Tournament Held at the New York Athletic Club

On Sunday, March 3rd, the New York Athletic Club was buzzing with the activity of dozens of judo champions from around the world. This USA Judo tournament brought together athletes from Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Russia and the United States.

Prizes included $7,000 and a championship trophy for the first place team and $3,000 for the second place team. Participants included Olympians,  World Cup winners and champions from around the globe. The coaches of the teams all have a history of excellence, including several World and Olympic medalists.

Germany, the two-time New York Open Team Champion in 2011 and 2012, returned to defend its title against the other five teams. The format was  five-man teams competing in a round robin-style to determine match orders. Each of the six teams participated in exciting bouts, with France beating out two-time champion Germany in the final match.

Guests attending the event were treated to a spectacular display of athleticism as the competitors took to the mats. A DJ and a live match commentator added to the excitement for fans watching the matches.

Honors were handed out to US Olympian Champion Kayla Harrison; US Olympian Travis Stevens; and four-time US Olympian Jimmy Pedro, Bronze medalist, 1999 World Champion and 2012 US Olympic coach at the tournament for their hard work and dedication to judo.

The New York Athletic Club, the NYAC Judo Club chaired by Kevin Earls and Owen Tunney, Film Annex and its President Francesco Rulli, sponsored the event. The New York Open Competition Directors were Mel Appelbaum, Dr Arthur Canario, and John Walla.