Press Release

EBJI Members Take Two Gold Medals at 2004 USA Judo Fall Classic

 The East Bay Judo Institute sent three representatives to the 2004 Fall Classic Championships this past Saturday, in Northglenn, Colorado. This year's Fall Classic served not only as a preview of the United States representatives at the upcoming US Open championships, but was also the final selection tournament for the Junior World Championships to be held later this year in Hungary. This year's tournament featured nearly 170 competitors, many of which were nationally ranked players.

 First up for the East Bay Judo team was Sayaka Matsumoto competing in the -48 kilo division. Matsumoto, reigning national champion for the past five years, easily disposed of her competition to take the gold. In her first match, she quickly pinned youngster Francesca Durand of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, in the first few seconds of the match, and then held on for the win. Her second match, against Christina Pro, of Pennsylvania, also concluded quickly when Matsumoto easily disposed of Pro with a major outside reap in the first grip exchange. Matsumoto's final match, against rival Crystal Brown of Colorado Springs, Colorado, against whom Matsumoto has an undefeated record, ended unceremoniously, as Brown was forced to pull out due to an elbow injury sustained earlier in the day.

 Annie Shiraishi, a newcomer to the East Bay Judo team, also competed in the -48 kilo division. In her first match, she overcame veteran Crystal Brown, in an impressive match that lasted the entire five minute time period. She then faced fellow youngster Christina Pro. Shiraishi fought strongly, however was forced to give up a few minor points that became the defining factor in the outcome of the match, Shiraishi then dropped down to the repecharge bracket to face Diana Capocasa of Illinois. Shiraishi battled through a hard fought match, however Capocasa's age and experience won out, eliminated Shiraishi from the competition.

 Molly O'Rourke cleaned up for the East Bay Judo team, taking the gold in a three-man bracket. In her first match she faced Nina Cutro-Kelly, 2002 Junior World team member. O'Rourke looked easily dominant, completely shutting down Cutro-Kelly's offense, and then throwing her with a strong hip throw for full points. In her second match O'Rourke again faced rival Cutro-Kelly who fought through the repecharge bracked to fight in the final match. Once again O'Rourke looked completely dominant, easily disposing of Cutro-Kelly for the second time, earning her the gold medal.

 The East Bay Judo Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the teaching of Kodokan Judo. It's head instructor is Dr. David Matsumoto, 6th degree black belt. For information about classes, schedules, location, and contact information, see www.ebji.org or call 510-237-0607.

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