The weekend started off with a bang as the JMJC hosted it’s 32nd in house tournament, March 7, 2020. While the JMJC Open was going on, Ari Berliner (21), Kell Berliner (25), Darren Elcock (23), Zach Judy (27), Melissa Myers (24) & Nicole Stout competed in the Argentina World Cup in Bariloche. Kell led the way taking a bronze medal in 81kg which was the second time he won bronze here (2017). This result allowed Kell to jump from #238 to a career high #170 on the world ranking list. Kell’s only loss came in the semis to eventual champ, Caio Brigida (Brazil). Kell’s brother Ari also had a good day as he placed 5th in 66kg. Nicole Stout (22) took bronze at 78kg and Melissa Myers (24) placed 5th in 70kg. Zach Judy lost his opening bout at 60kg and was eliminated and Darren Elcock was 0-2 in 66kg. All 6 of these athletes will compete next weekend in Santiago, Chile.
While their JMJC teammates were in Argentina, Max Alaynick (19), Yusef Houssni (17), Seth Woosley (20) & Pete Stanley (34) competed in the University of New Hampshires 15th Annual Wild Cat Open, March 8, 2020. Houssni cruised to a Gold, easily winning the mens 73kg division. Alaynick picked up a Silver in the 81kg category. Pete Stanley won a gold in the veterans (30-39yrs.) +100kg division as well as a silver in the +100kg mens elite weigh class. Seth Woosley (20) won a Silver in the Novice 81kg division and placed 5th in the 81kg elite mens category.
Sunday, March 8, 2020, The JMJC leader, Jason Morris put on a seminar with legendary, 1964 Olympic Silver Medalist, Jim Bregman at the North Shore Judo Club owned and operated by longtime JMJC friend, Ramon Hernandez. “It was an honor to share the tatami (mats) with such an Iconic figure.” Olympic Silver Medalist, Morris commented. Ramon was ready for Morris as he had heavy metal playing, specifically the 6 songs he picked on the Decibel Geek podcast which included JMJC’s friend, Johnny Gioeli’s band, Hardline. JMJC’s Rob Rielly who is friends with Bregman was instrumental in pairing Bregman and Morris together. Jason’s 1998 Olympic teammate, Eve Trivella stopped by for a visit as well.