Fort Worth Judo Club

Tommy Dyer began his judo career at the age of 8 years old in 1971 in Odessa, Texas under Coach Dale Lehman. Tommy has been with the Fort Worth Judo Club since 1988. He has achieved numerous State, Regional, National, International Titles and a top Elite Athlete for USA Judo for many years. As a judo competitor he has trained all over the world including 2.5 years in Japan to f. Past Director of USA Judo for USA Judo and for the Olympics 2004 IN Athens, Greece. He is a Certified International Coach for USA Judo.

With over 50 years of experience in Judo. He has been involved in the sport as a competitor, instructor and coach. In 1964 as an 8 year old he began his Judo training with Sensei Naguchi at Aiea Judo Club, Hawaii. As Co-Captain of the Aiea High School Judo team, captured the State Team Championship title.
Under the tutelage of Dr. Joel Holloway (20 time National gold medalists, and World title holder), Pat Burris (2 time Olympian) and Dr. Ron Tripp (World Sambo Champion, numerous National Championships), he has won many State, Regional, National Titles, and placed Internationally. In 2008 he was inducted into the USJA National Hall of Fame as Kata Competitor of the year. Runner up - Oklahoma Senior Male Judo Player of the Decade (1986 - 1995). He has coached kata teams to State and National titles. Sent teams to International competition.
A Vietnam era veteran, married for 30 years with 3 grown children. Engaged in the telecommunication field for over 40 years.

Ian discovered Judo in his early teens watching the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. At the time it was an exotic way to fight reminiscent of the old kung fu movies Ian used to watch. But this was real life. Two warriors walked willingly onto the fighting area to test themselves. It was pure. It was visceral. The image of the white uniforms and black belts grappling with each other for dominance stuck with Ian. To this day Ian still sees it as clearly as he did then.
Judo is a practice in all things. It is a holistic discipline. There's no talk of mystical energy, esoteric cliches (snatch the pebble from my hand, Grasshopper), or arcane riddles. We talk physics, balance, and strategy. We teach from a point of practical application, not fictitious misconception. We, as coaches, stay open minded to new ideas. We know we don't have all the answers. We continue to grow as we support growth in our students. After all, their success is our success.
Even though Ian was first introduced to Judo at the age of 13, Ian didn't start practicing seriously until later in life. Ian was 25 years old when he first walked into the Fort Worth Judo Club. Ian saw all people participating at all skill levels: tall, short, fat, thin, old, young... every type of person one could imagine was there. And they were all practicing Judo. What Ian learned that first day was something he tells EVERY person that comes into the dojo for the first time: Judo isn't for everyone, but ANYONE can do it.
Ian went on to compete in local, state and national tournaments. Ian became State Champion of multiple places through his travels, and has been been fortunate enough to train with some of the best judoka in the world. Ian has tried to take everything he has learned, and made it his own as a coach. Ian's approach to instruction revolves around fundamental judo. Nothing fancy. Ian's philosophy is direct, simple (or as simple as one can be in Judo). Ian coaches with passion. Ian has personally worked very hard to make Fort Worth Judo the community it is today. Ian takes pride in the relationships he has made in the club and the lifelong friendships that will endure. The most gratifying part of his role as Sensei isn't seeing his students earn medals (although it sure is awesome when they do). The most gratifying part is when that shy student, full of self-doubt and fear, walks into the dojo and starts to learn Judo, and a short time later, he or she wants to fight in tournament. Ian will never get tired of that feeling.

Matt began his judo career in 1977 at the young age of 5. His dad was a sensei so Matt grew up around judo. He earned his black belt in 1992 at the Fort Worth Judo Club. He is a multi-time Texas State Champion as well as a 2 time Masters national champion. He has competed both national and internationally. He has been active in the sport of judo for 40 years as a competitor and a coach.

Sara began her judo career in 1987 with the Fort Worth Judo Club. She earned her black belt in 1993. She is a multi-time Texas State Champion as well as a former collegiate national champion. She has competed both national and internationally. She has been active in the sport of judo for 30 years as a competitor and a coach.

Jeremy showed up one day in 2007 at FWJC and told Tommy Dyer that he needed to get off the couch and start being active again. There was not any class that day, but Jeremy jumped right in and helped pull out the old mat padding and put in the new. He has been an active member and coach at FWJC ever since. Jeremy is an active competitor and has been Texas State Champion numerous times, Texas Judo All Star 3 times, Masters National Champion 3 times and has won many other national and state titles as well as ranking 7th at the World Masters Championships. His most prestigious award is probably having his image used for the Joker card in the 2017 Texas All Star card deck. He holds the rank of Nidan with USA Judo, IJF, PJC and the Kodokan Judo Institute. Jeremy was promoted directly to Nidan by the Kodokan Judo Institute which was pretty cool. Jeremy has trained in several other martial arts including Kajukenbo, Choi Li Fut, Uechi-Ryu Karate, Tum Pai Gung Fu, Tai Chi, Boxing and Kickboxing. Jeremy is also a United States Navy Veteran. Currently he travels for work and has visited well over 200 Judo clubs around the globe.

He started judo in 1959 at Fort Worth Texas. In 1975 he entered the US Secret Service which moved me to San Antonio then Austin. All the while he continued teaching and competing in judo. Upon returning to Fort Worth, he assumed the role of head instructor at the Fort Worth Judo Club. He served 2 years of President of Texas Judo. He has competed in hundreds of tournaments throughout his career, including winning a master national division.

He has 37 years of experience. His is former Cameroon Champion, African National Champion and has participated in many international tournaments.

Trained in Tae Kwon Do and Shotokan karate. State, National and international titles.

I was very sick as a child. Ever month I was admitted into the hospital. My Dr motivates me to get involved in martial arts. I started Judo in 1997 I never looked back. Martial arts it's a therapy for my life. I have many medals from D.R.Congo, Texas and USA judo. In addition to Judo I have a 3rd degree black belt in Japanese jiu jitsu and hold belts in Aikido and Shotokan Karate.