Alex Semenenko Joins MASTERs
2026 US World Team Member Alex Semenenko joins MASTERs as an athlete fellow.
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA — Martial Arts for Social Transformation, Equity and Rights is honored to announce the Jack Hatton Memorial Fellowship, named in memory of judoka Jack Hatton. Jack was a gifted athlete and a teammate of MASTERs Executive Director Dr. Christopher Round. He passed away in September 2019 at the age of 24. With the blessing of his family, this fellowship carries his dreams forward by supporting athletes on the Olympic path. The fellowship will go to one athlete each year who demonstrates promise and commitment.
Jack’s love of judo started early. He grew up in New York State and was on the mat before he was ten years old, encouraged by his father. Even in his first tournaments he showed real heart, taking on older and bigger opponents, battling through overtimes, and finding ways to win. Through middle and high school he trained at Jason Morris Judo Club and San Jose State University, and he later trained under Jimmy Pedro in Massachusetts. As a young man he competed around the world on the IJF World Tour with his sights set on the Olympic Games.
Jack was a judoka, a teammate, a brother, a son, and a friend. MASTERs is humbled to name this fellowship for him. We hope it helps young athletes pursue the dreams he held, with the support every athlete deserves.
If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
For media inquiries regarding MASTERs or High Noon Judo, please contact:
Dr. Christopher Round
Executive Director, MASTERs
roundce@martialartsforsocialgood.org
martialartsforsocialgood.org
2026 US World Team Member Alex Semenenko joins MASTERs as an athlete fellow.
Martial Arts for Social Transformation Equity and Rights athlete fellows Leana Nelson and Marley Garland place 5th at the IJF Continental Open in Santo Domingo.
Martial Arts for Social Transformation Equity and Rights athlete fellow Leana Nelson has taken bronze at the International Judo Federation San Salvador Pan American Open in El Salvador.
masters athletes take Japan ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA — To finish off