Tulsa Judo and Jiu Jitsu

Sensei Gary Frame (Godan) recently passed away. Gary was a coach at Tulsa Judo for more than 30 years, and he both coached me (Sensei Chris) and my daughter. Gary was happy to donate his time and money to help make Tulsa Judo a successful dojo. Most importantly, Gary was simply the nicest person in the world. Kind, gentle, and positive would be the best way to describe Gary. On the mat, he was always willing to randori with the younger, bigger, and stronger but novice judoka, that is, those nobody else was willing to work with. Outside judo, Gary was a proud Marine Corp combat veteran. Moreover, you knew Gary’s truck because it was the one loaded down with what must have been a 1000 pounds of tools from his trade as a locksmith for American Airlines. Those of us who knew Gary were sad when he had to retire from judo. And though he was no longer on the mat, he continued to donate to Tulsa Judo during the tough years of the pandemic when funds were short. Personally, I will be forever grateful for this generosity. I will also cherish the memories of years of randori with Gary at the club. For those of us who shared a mat with Gary, his death is deeply felt. Rest in peace, my friend.

Congratulations to head coach Chris Vanlandingham for taking 2nd place at Senior Nationals. He endured several hard fought matches in a crowded division.

Bert was a good friend to Tulsa judo.

It is with profound sadness that the Becerra Judo Club shares the news of the passing of our beloved Sensei Bert Becerra.

Sensei Bert was far more than a coach — he was a mentor, a guide, and a cherished friend to countless athletes, families, and members of this community. His dedication to the sport of judo and, more importantly, to the people who practice it, left an indelible mark on generations of students who were fortunate enough to learn from him.

His passion, wisdom, and unwavering commitment were the foundation upon which this club was built. The lessons he instilled — in discipline, respect, and perseverance — will live on in every athlete he ever touched.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family during this incredibly difficult time. We ask that our community keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Sensei Bert's spirit will forever be present on every mat, in every bow, and in the heart of every judoka he inspired. He will be deeply and forever missed.

🙏 Rest in peace, Sensei.

Judo: Teddy Riner to return to competition in August at Lausanne Grand Slam 2026 — Olympics.com More than two years after the Paris 2024 Olympics, Riner is set to compete at the 2026 Lausanne Grand Slam. Find out everything you need to know about the seven-time Olympic medallist's comeback.

Five reasons why you should take up judo — Olympics.com From building strength and resilience to making lifelong friends, learn how stepping onto the tatami can transform your body, boost your confidence, and teach values that last a lifetime.

More than sport: How judo builds values, peace, and stronger communities — Olympics.com This International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (6 April), Olympics.com takes a look at how judo has the power to transform the lives of its practitioners, and perhaps the world.

Steve was Michael Ballestero's first judo coach and beloved friend. Michael stayed in contact with Steve over the years since he left Arizona, and through Michael, Steve was a friend to Sensei Chris, too. Chris and Steve would always find each other at national tournaments to discuss the sport we love, sometimes over dinner. Steve was a wonderful human being, and his loss will be deeply felt in Tuscan and Arizona.

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Arizona Judo legend, Sensei Steve Owen, AZ State Association and Judo TucsonDojo Judo President.
Sensei Steve dedicated his life to the art of Judo and to the countless students he mentored over the years. His passion for the sport, his deep knowledge, and his commitment to teaching helped shape generations of judoka throughout Arizona and beyond. Many of us stepped on the mat because of him, and many more stayed because of the values he lived and taught every day—respect, discipline, perseverance, and humility.
Sensei Steve’s impact on the Judo community cannot be measured. He was not only a great instructor, but also a mentor, a leader, and a friend to many. His legacy will continue through the students, coaches, and clubs that he inspired.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones, especially Cherri, during this very difficult time. We ask the Judo community to keep them in your hearts and give the family the time and space they need.

Rest in peace, Sensei. Your spirit will always live on in the dojo and in the hearts of your students. 🥋🙏

Tulsa Judo is very proud of our junior judoka who fought over the weekend at Youth Nationals. Very few judo players ever compete in a national tournament so congrats to Evelyn, Zoe, Wyatt, Luke, Ruby, Hanna, and Hailey! Whether you won or lost, the words of former President Teddy Roosevelt apply to you:

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.

Our most recent black belt, Tyler Daugherty, visited OSU judo club yeterday where our own, Mason Bridgewater, now practices as a full time student at OSU.

Coming Saturday!