MASTERs and High Noon Judo Athletes Make Their Mark at the Junior Olympics

ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA —  The athlete fellows of Martial Arts for Social Transformation, Equity and Rights along with their teammates from High Noon Judo, had a stellar performance at the USA Judo Junior Olympics held on June 19 to 21 in Spokane, Washington. Under the guidance of the MASTERs coaching team led by Sensei Christopher Round, the athletes showed heart, sportsmanship, and undeniable technical prowess.

Fuji Sports sponsored athlete and MASTERs fellow Chloe Williams had a perfect weekend and for the third time has made the USA Judo Junior World Team. She is joined on the team by her MASTERs teammate, Rhadi Ferguson. Ferguson also took home a silver medal for herself with dominant performances in her division. Newcomer to MASTERs, Kaiya Johnston, has hit the ground running as part of the team, securing a coveted second place finish in her division after numerous challenging matches. Marley Garland, an athlete of incredible endurance, taking Senior National Champ Emily Jaspe into overtime twice. Garland took home a silver medal in her division. 

The younger MASTERs contingent showed incredible skill and promise themselves. Viktoria Evdokimov came home with three medals across three divisions. She took two silvers in her age and weight class and then, in an incredible display of courage, fought up an age division and took gold in the U18 division. Paige Han fought seven tough matches over the course of the weekend and showed great promise, starting her day with a clean ippon in 18 seconds.

In addition to the MASTERs fellows who competed, special recognition is due for High Noon Judo teammates Knox Williams and Landon Williams. They took third and second in the respective juvenile divisions. 

This USA Judo Junior Olympics showing is yet another testament to the distinct coaching style adopted by the MASTERs team. Using the CLA method, Sensei Round’s students continue to show this is a viable way to not just to learn judo, but to excel.  

For media inquiries regarding MASTERs or High Noon Judo, please contact:
Dr. Christopher Round
Executive Director, MASTERs
roundce@martialartsforsocialgood.org
martialartsforsocialgood.org