EBJI Members Receive National Recognition

Stephanie Hata, 17, of El Cerrito, CA, and a member of the East Bay Judo Institute, received the US
Judo Federation’s 2001 International Youth Female Athlete of the Year Award, and the 2001 Senior
Female Athlete of the Year Award.

In 2001, Hata took gold medals at the US High School Nationals, Senior Nationals, Junior Nationals,
and the US Open, which is the largest international event in the country. She also took a gold medal
at the Gotenburg International in Sweden and a silver the Pan American Jr. Judo Championships in Argentina.

Both awards are determined entirely objectively, with the highest classified athlete in the USA Elite sr. and jr.
Athlete Rosters who is also a continuing USJF member selected.

In addition, EBJI head instructor David Matsumoto received the senior and junior female coach of the year awards
for 2001 from the US Judo Federation. Matsumoto has been the head instructor at EBJI since 1984. Since that time,
EBJI students have distinguished themselves by taking a medal over 200 times in national and international competition.

The coach of the year award is given to the coach of the athletes who receive the athlete of the year award.

The East Bay Judo Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the teaching of Kodokan Judo. It’s head instructor
is Dr. David Matsumoto, 6th degree black belt. For information about classes, schedules, location, and contact information,
see www.ebji.org or call 510-237-0607.