A Well-Deserved Recognition

Jimmy Pedro 
Wakefield, Massachusetts | September 13, 2018

On September 18, 2018, Jimmy Pedro will be the first ever American judoka to be inducted into the International Judo Federation Hall of Fame. In Baku, Azerbaijan, a celebration and commemoration is in store for one of the most profound American judoka in history. Jimmy Pedro’s name, and more importantly honorable character, will be recognized alongside first inductee members Dr. Jigaro Kano, David Douillet, and Kosei Inoue among others. Inductee names were submitted to the IJF and voted upon by the IJF Hall of Fame Selection Committee.

Unprecedented Achievement

Throughout his long athletic career, Jimmy consistently embodied relentless spirit, respect, and dedication for the sport. He balanced his responsibilities as an athlete, father, husband, coach, and role model all while training, competing, and coaching at the Olympic level. Pedro’s admirable perseverance and focus yielded career accomplishments that had never been obtained by any other athlete in the United States. Jimmy Pedro’s nature of giving 100% commitment and effort to everything that he does, both large and small, is revered by his contemporaries.
Currently, Jimmy is the President of FUJI Mats, VP of FUJI Sports, and owns and operates Pedro’s Judo Center in Wakefield, MA.  He also dedicates his time teaching judo camps and clinics worldwide, and has founded the Project 2024 program which is aimed at helping inspire and prepare America’s next generation of judo champions.

Jimmy shared, “I am extremely honored and excited to be awarded this prestigious distinction by the International Judo Federation.  As a young judoka growing up I always wanted to become World Champion, Olympic Champion, and show the world that Americans can win in judo.  I never imagined that I would make it to the Judo Hall of Fame; but, I never would have been possible without the help and support from so many people around the world in this amazing sport.”

 Athletic Highlights:

• Four-Time Olympian

• Two-Time Olympic Bronze Medalist (1996, 2004)

• World Judo Champion (1999)

• World Judo Bronze medalist (1991, 1995)

• Pan Am Games Champion (1995 & 1999)

• Four-Time Pan American Champion

• More Highlights HERE

Coach Highlights:

• 2012 & 2016 US Olympic Judo Team Head Coach

•  Helped Coach & Train:

  •  Kayla Harrison – Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist (2012 & 2016) & World Champion (2010)

  • Travis Stevens – 2016 Olympic Silver Medalist

  • Ronda Rousey – 2008 Olympic Bronze Medalist World Silver Medalist (2007)

  • Marti Malloy – 2012 Olympic Bronze Medalist & World Silver Medalist (2013)