Published in the July 6, 2021 edition.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — On June 18, 19 and 20, eight judo players from Pedro’s Judo Center in Wakefield, MA flew down to Winston-Salem, NC to compete at the USA Judo Junior Olympic National and International Championships. The Junior Olympic Championships is an event for judo players 7 years old through 20 years old to come together and fight for the junior national, junior world team slot and international title.
This tournament not only determined who the best junior athletes were in the United States but for competitors 15 years old and above, this event served as a Junior World Team Trials. Winners of the 15-16 and 17-20 year old divisions were selected to represent the United States at the Junior World Championships in Italy this Fall.
Pedro’s Judo Center took home three gold medals, three silver medals and one bronze medal. Leading the team was head coach, Olympic Medalist and Pedro’s Judo Center owner, Jimmy Pedro.
“Pedro’s Judo Center brought a very young and inexperienced team to the JO Nationals in Winston-Salem but we walked away with a few national titles (Domenico “Mimmo” Ternullo and Issei Barefoot), one Jr. World Team Member (Issei Barefoot) and a bunch of National Medalists (Rian Russo, Octavio Oliveira, Isaac Carmichael),” said Pedro. “Overall, the young team fought hard, got valuable experience and showed some real grit against the best in the nation. I am very proud of the way the team performed overall.”
The final results for Pedro’s Judo Center was:
Domenico “Mimmo” Ternullo from Saugus won 1st Place in the National Cadet Division at 64kg (15 and 16 years old) and 2nd Place in the Cadet International Division at 64kg (15 and 16 years old).
Issei Barefoot from Wakefield/Japan won 1st Place in the IJF National Division at 90kg (17-20 year old) and a spot on the Jr World Team.
Octavio de Oliveira from Lynnfield won 3rd Place in the International Cadet Division at 64kg (15 and 16 year old).
Rian Russo and Isaac Carmichael both from Wakefield won 2nd Place in the International IJF Division at 81kg and 73kg weight categories (17-20 year old)
Trey Lindley from Wakefield had to withdraw due to injury.
About Pedro’s Judo Center:
Pedro’s Judo Center is a warm, family-friendly atmosphere with judo, fitness and confidence building programs for children as young as 4 years old to adults in their 70s. Pedro’s Judo Center Owner, Jimmy Pedro, is one of the highest regarded coaches and athletes in US history. Unlike any other sport, judo is unique in instilling in its students, confidence, self-esteem and the ability to focus.
Pedro’s Judo also develops a level of body awareness and coordination that makes every participant a stronger, healthier and better all-around individual. For more information visit: www.pedrosjudo.com or call 781-245-0644.
