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The Judo Web is Finally Blossoming

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I took a look at my archives the other day and realized that I have been writing this blog for over 3 years now. When I first started, the state of Judo web sites was pretty poor. Many clubs and organizations didn't have sites, and even the ones that did had pretty poor excuses of sites. The sites were almost completely lacking any type of design or navigation, and their information was almost always out of date, or not relevant. Obviously, there were some notable exceptions, such as the Judo Information site and the Judo forum. In addition, at the time I started there weren't that many other Judo Bloggers in the blogosphere, but that has changed too.

Somehow, over the past few years, the Judo world has decided that the time has come for Judo to increase its presence on the web. Within the past few months alone, the USJF and USJI have changed their web sites, and both have also begun sending member notices by e-mail. Companies like Hatashita Enterprises and Hatashita Sports have upgraded their e-commerce sites and even added an affiliate program and e-mail marketing, respectively. Then of course there are a whole new slew of sites for the Judo Community. Like the Judo Podcast (and its European Version) - which broadcast audio interviews with well-known Judoka, or JudoVision - a site that provides video of dozens of world-class Judo tournaments.

Finally, blogging has taken off. There are dozens of Judoka that are blogging these days. From average joes like myself, Andy, or Jason - to world-class competitors (current and former) like Ronda Rousey, Taraje Williams-Murray, Rhadi Ferguson, and AnnMaria DeMars.

It's nice to see that Judo is embracing the web. While it probably doesn't directly translate into more Judokas coming into our dojos, it definitely makes it easier for Judoka of all ages and skill levels, to know that there is a greater Judo community out there, and that people will answer their questions or give them encouragement to progress on to their next Judo goal. 

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LanceW said…
Hi Yonah,
I've noticed the same thing, it's starting to get better out there and not before time. I don't know about you but I notice I spend less time evangelizing about the internet to Judo people and more time helping give details on what they can do.
Stay in touch!

Lance
12/17/2007
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