An Unforgettable European Tour & Judo Experience
USA Judo National Team FORCE out of Jimmy Pedro’s Judo Center in Wakefield, Massachusetts is currently traveling across Europe, showcasing their dedication, skill, and passion for Judo. The trip included intensive training camps, prestigious competitions, and remarkable achievements. Here’s a detailed account of their European tour thus far with more to come!
Green Camp in Bologna, Italy
Beginning in Bologna, Italy, where Team FORCE participated in the renowned Green Camp hosted by Italian Olympic Judoka Elio Verde. This six-day training camp hosted over 1,500 athletes from around the world in search of intensive training. Each day was packed with two rigorous training sessions per day. Each practice consisted of 10 rounds of newaza randori and 10 rounds of tachiwaza randori. The Green Camp was packed with high level judo. Including Italian Olympians Jenny Gal and Girolamo Giovinazzo, as well as special guest 2x Olympic Champion Shohei Ono (JPN), our very own Jimmy Pedro, and Sugio Uriarte (ESP).
Two Weeks in Valencia, Spain
The next stop on the list for Team FORCE was Valencia, Spain, for a two-week intensive training period at the International Judo Federation (IJF) training center. The training regiment continued with the team in Spain. Mornings were dedicated to weight lifting and the evening was filled with two judo practices daily.
2024 Slovenj Gradec Junior European Cup
The team then headed to Slovenia, where they competed in the 2024 Slovenj Gradec Junior European Cup. The team’s hard work and dedication paid off with outstanding performances. Lenny Sheynfield, competing in the -66 kg category, and Alex Shemenenko, in the +100 kg category, both secured bronze medals. Valuable experience was gained on the mat. Following the competition in Slovenia, Team FORCE participated in a four-day training camp.
Off to Prague for Competition
The journey continued to Prague, where Team FORCE competed in another high-level Junior event, the 2024 Prague Junior European Cup! Leading the team was USA Judo National Coach & 2x Olympian Colton Brown as Head Coach. Lenny Sheynfeld -66 kg continued to build on his impressive performance in Slovenia with a 7th place finish here. At this competition, Team FORCE was joined by other fellow USA Judoka; Emily Jaspe -63 kg, Dominic Rodriguez -81 kg, Emily Jaspe -63 kg each took home a silver medal and Daniel Liubimovski -100kg finished with a 5th place performance.
A Brief Homecoming
After the whirlwind European tour, Team FORCE returned home for a well-deserved week of rest and recovery following the 2024 Prague Junior European Cup. This brief homecoming allowed the athletes to recharge, reflect on their experiences, and prepare for the next phase of their journey.
Off to Japan for Four Weeks
The final leg of their trip takes Team FORCE to Japan, the birthplace of judo, for four-weeks of training. Joined by Team FORCE Coach Tyler Yonemori, this is a unique opportunity for the athletes to gain valuable international experience. The team had an incredible training environment to work with in Japan. The team has arrived home just this past week however, the hard work and dedication continues.
