Superb Performance for Pedro’s Judo over the weekend!

Wakefield, MA — Over the weekend, in two different countries on the opposite sides of the world, Pedro’s Judo Center USA National Team FORCE produces four medal outings! Aaron Kunihiro (60kg), Hana Carmichael (57kg), Meghan Arena (63kg) & Kayla Harrison (78kg) all fought valiantly representing the United States at the Pan American Games and the Flanders Judo Cup.

Kunihiro, Carmichael & Harrison all made their Pan American Team berths this past weekend, with Kunihiro & Carmichael earning bronze and Harrison earning a gold medal in Guadalajara, MEX. Head Coach Jimmy Pedro and 2012 US Olympic Judo Coach, who could not attend the tournament but rather watched them online via live stream, had this to say, “I am extremely proud of the athletes on the Jimmy Pedro Team Force elite program for the incredible results they posted this past weekend.  We went 3 for 3 at the Pan Am Games in Guadalajara, Mexico with Kayla Harrison leading the way with a gold medal in the 78kg division taking home the only gold medal in judo for Team USA.   Teammates Hana Carmichael (57kg) and Aaron Kunihiro (60kg) both turned in career highlight days finishing on the Pan Am podium for the first time with Bronze medals.”

As well as three medals in the Pan American Games, our own junior elite superstar, Meghan Arena, hailing from Medford, MA, scored herself a silver medal at the Flanders Judo Cup in Belgium over the weekend as well. Meghan earned her spot on two world teams this year, however due to an injury she was unable to attend either event. Her parents as well as her coaches believed she should still go and earn some international experience, and she did just that! As for Meghan’s result, Coach Pedro commented, “Megan has been working hard all year long and had a break out year qualifying for both the Cadet World Team and Junior World Team, but was unable to compete due to injury.  The trip to Belgium was her first event since coming back from her injury, and I am so delighted for her.  She truly earned this medal and it is a true tribute to her perseverance and will to compete.”

Overall, Coach Pedro was very pleased with the athlete’s success stating, “Unquestionably the results posted by our Team Force team this weekend proves that our program can consistently win medals at the international level. With athletes winning medals all over the world at every level, I could not be any more satisfied as a coach! All of our kids are good kids who put their hearts and souls into training and competing.  Their efforts are finally paying off in a big way.”

Kunihiro rocks an opponent at the Pan American Games in Mexico

Kayla on the podium after she receives her Pan Am GOLD Medal

Hana gripping her opponent at the Pan Am Games in Mexico

Meghan Receiving her SILVER medal in Belgium.