Just wanted to update this thread. I went up to San Jose on Sunday but did not stay for the golf club dinner. I did get a tour of the new dojo on Monday morning.
It looks as fantastic as the pictures show. I couldn't take any pictures because there was classes going on when I was there. The judo program is under the kinesiology department. I think the class that was being taught was aikido. As I understand it, the floor is slightly sunken and the falls are pretty decent to take though I didn't have a chance to take a fall on it or how it would compare to to a sprung floor.
One of the big benefits that I see for the team is that the weight and training room is larger than it was before. They also have someone who is now on staff who assists the athletes with their strength and cardio protocols. Free strength and conditioning coaches and facility is a big plus.
Janine Nakao is now back at SJSU as well. She announced that on her Facebook page a couple days ago. There is another athlete who I don't know if they publicly stated they were there yet who is training there. This kid is out of the midwest and was a really strong junior athlete. He had been on a wrestling scholarship, but is now at SJSU. Really good pickup for them.
The Japanese player is coming in October. I am now being told he was a collegiate champion. He is also staying only for 3 months, but should be very good training partner for all the players.
I new Janine Nakano left Pedro's but it didn't say where she went. I am taking a wild guess but is the midwest judoka/wrestler Max Schneider from IL? He was wrestling at Cal Poly. Junior judo star and HS wrestler before he left IL.
The Japanese player Kosuke Tanaka arrived. Here is a link to Marti Malloy's Facebook post. It looks like they also picked up a Korean player as well.
https://www.facebook.com/MartiMalloyJUDO/photos/a.324519440991338.67456.182171818559435/598582990251647/?type=1&theater
A quick google search showed Tanaka as the gold medalist in -81kg in 2009 for the All Japan Student Judo Championships. He was a third year student then, so I'm guessing he is either just visiting for a few months or doing some post graduate work.
jbb,
I don't want to publicly state names if the school or the player didn't do so already. I haven't seen the player or the school mention that the person was there.
Nice pic I think(Max)is kneeling next to Janine Nakano. Not sure. Great group of judokas.
Is Hatton 6th from the left? Looks like him.
Yes, that is him.
I think by late 2016 they will have an incredibly tough team at all divisions.
Thanks, they have got some of the best talent in the USA there.
Here is Max Schneider showing two no-gi defenses against the single leg at SJSU for Dollamur Sports.
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=863112090373695&set=vb.147166465301598&type=2&theater
Thanks, will post it on my Facebook for my BJJ no-gi buddies. Max will be an exceptional add to SJSU judo program.