Greg DiFranza Wins Gold & Silver at 2004 US Judo Championships

Greg DiFranza repeated last year's Gold Medal performance by throwing all four of his opponents in less than a minute to win his weight division during the 2004 National Judo Championships.  The contest was held at the University of San Diego April 30-May 1, 2004.

DiFranza, a retired Jacksonville Sheriff's Office police officer, won all of his matches by throwing his opponents with sufficient force to end the match.  He won the Gold Medal in the Men's Master's +100 kg weight division and also won the Silver Medal in the Men's Master's Open (unlimited) weight division.

Over 700 competitors attended the event, which is one of the determining contests to decide the USA representatives to the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece this summer.  This year marks the 40^th anniversary of judo becoming an Olympic sport, the first martial art to have that distinction.  Judo involves throws, pins, chokes and armlocks, and claims the largest participation in martial arts throughout the world, while being the safest contact sport for children under the age of thirteen (American College of Sports Medicine).

DiFranza trains at the Gentle Way Martial Arts and Health Center located at 1197 Mayport Road, Atlantic Beach and also teaches self defense for children and adults.  For more information, contact Judo Ryu Jacksonville at 904-241-4112, email sensei@judojax.com or at www.gentleway.com