USJA Resignations: Anyone know what went down?

**sambosteve** · Posted On: 4/18/2010 12:16pm

Hi all,

I have been reading the UJSA Forums and am trying to figure out what happened....Three top officials resigned recenly after recent overwhelming elections leading to their victory: AnnaMarie De Mars (pres), Jimmy Pedro Sr., and Martin Bregman.

There are new interim officers in place. But, does anyone know what the dust up was about? Seems like the folks on the judo forum are keeping their mouths shut. many feel there that the issue is being swept under the rug.

http://judoforum.com/index.php?/topi...he-usja-board/
http://judoforum.com/index.php?/topi...in-charge-now/

According to one thread, the minutes are supposed to be made public eventually. But nothing yet (except name changes on the list of board members):
http://www.usja-judo.org/BOD/

From a personal standpoint, my only dealing with USJA was that we had been recently discussing some possible mutual projects...tandem tournaments, etc. I had a few supportive exchanges with Ms. De Mars and Marc Cohen (and a meeting with Mr. Cohen as well). All seemed to be moving smoothly along. But that seems to have stalled out. I find out that they are not interested in tandem tournaments at this time (I was given the reason being space issues...but it seemes strange to me). Then I hear about this regime change. Not saying they are at all directly related, but I am curious as to what the resignations had resulted from. The stalling our our joint discussions are most likely symptomatic or just a "friendly fire" casualty.

This is an e-mail posted on the judoforum from former presiden DeMars:

One of my favorite professors had a sign in her office, "No matter how far you've gone down the wrong road, turn back."

For twelve years, I have been a member of a committee or board of one judo organization or another. Recently, when Jim Pedro, Sr. resigned from the USJA Board of Directors in disgust, shortly after Dr. Martin Bregman resigned from the promotion board, it became clear to me that the infighting, petty jealousies and personal agendas had degenerated to such a point that it would be impossible for me to work with the USJA Board. When two of the men I most admire resign, it is obvious that something is drastically wrong.

One meaning of resignation is acceptance of the inevitable. It is clear to me that the continuing failure of this board to work together is inevitable. Therefore, I have joined the vice-president in resignation from the USJA Board.

I have met many great people running judo programs throughout the country and I am grateful for that opportunity. What my experience tells me is that if judo is to survive as a viable sport in this country it will be despite our national organizations rather than because of them.

AnnMaria R. De Mars , Ph.D.

Basically, the rest of the discussion on the judo forum is speculation about the future of judo and the USJA.

I know US Judo politics is a pandora's box, but out of curiosity, I am asking. I was kind of suprised that this was not mentioned here on BS sooner.

**crawford** · Posted On: 4/18/2010 12:35pm

Originally Posted by sambosteve

Hi all,

I know US Judo politics is a pandora's box, but out of curiosity, I am asking. I was kind of suprised that this was not mentioned here on BS sooner.

it was

http://www.bullshido.net/forums/show...highlight=USJA