Judo at FightWorks

Judo meaning "gentle way", is a modern Japanese martial art and combat sport, that originated in Japan in the late nineteenth century. One of its most prominent features is where the object is to throw or take one's opponent to the ground. The goal can then be to immobilize or otherwise subdue one's opponent with a grappling maneuver, or force the opponent to submit. FightWorks Judo is a high quality judo curriculum designed with the committed judoka in mind. We combine a solid, traditional foundation of judo with modern, proven and scientific methods of human performance. In addition, we emphasize modern day, advanced competitive technique. Often, a few factors are common in leading to success in any endeavor: hard work, determination, commitment and a well thought out plan for success. We plan to provide our students with these tools and therefore phase our training program according to our yearly training cycles and goals.

Along with tachi waza (standing techniques), we believe ne waza, or ground fighting techniques are an essential part of successful judo. We emphasize standing to ground transitions, ground to ground transitions along with submissions from dominant positions. We believe it is difficult to achieve great success in nage waza (throwing technique) without an underlying high level foundation of ne waza skill.

In our opinion, judo extends far beyond the competitive mat and is more than just sport. A judoka who is trained as a competitive athlete is more prepared for life’s trials and difficulties. As a result, competition is not the pinnacle of judo study. Instead, we see it as a component of one’s overall study in preparation for life.

As a FightWorks team member, you will find yourself in a self paced and challenging training environment with like minded, respectful friends who are there to help each other improve their judo skills. No experience is expected or required to begin, but a good attitude and committed spirit is essential. Whether you are completely new to judo or an international competitor with many years of experience, you will be welcomed.

Judo Instructors

Joe Yungwirth

Head Judo Coach

Joe is the head instructor of Fightworks Judo and brings thirty years of experience to the program. Prior to his relocation to Northern Virginia a few years ago, Joe was an active member of Cohen’s Judo Club near Chicago, learning under one of judo’s most cutting edge, competitive coaches, Steve Cohen - 1988 Olympian and head coach of the 2000 Olympic Judo Team. In addition, Joe has had numerous visits and training sessions at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO. The visits to Colorado have facilitated his continuing judo education and the opportunity to be part of the preparation of numerous top level competitors, including Olympians, World Team members, and National Champions.

Prior to these experiences, Joe had the head coaching responsibilities at a number of successful clubs including the Pacific Grove Judo and Jiu-Jitsu Academy on the Monterey Peninsula as well as a university team in North Carolina. Constantly refining training protocols to assist his students in finding their peak performances, he incorporates learning modalities touching on sports psychology, strength and conditioning as well as the foundational and technical aspects of judo.

Christine Karl

Judo Coach

One of the most qualified judo instructors in the Capital Region, Chris joins FightWorks as the head coach of our junior program. An incredible addition to our coaching team, she brings an unequaled background in sports science and judo education. Chris was born in Vienna, Austria and received Masters’ Degrees in Sports Science, Sports Psychology and Sports Journalism in Saltzburg. At 19 years old, Chris was selected as a member of the Austrian National Team, where she competed successfully for 15 years, winning national and international titles, and medaling at World Cup events. While still a competitor, Chris earned her trainer’s license and has been teaching and coaching youth of all ages and skill levels for more than 15 years.

Chris was elected to the position of Education Director for the Austrian Judo Federation in 1996 and held the position until 2008 when she decided to leave Austria and move to Virginia to continue her studies and work towards her PhD. Throughout her judo career Chris has been fortunate to have visited and trained at various judo schools in France, Croatia and Sweden, as well as the world famous Tsukuba and Tokai Universities in Japan. The great commitment that Chris has continually demonstrated makes her a uniquely gifted judoka and coach.

Jamie Browne

Judo Coach

One of our strongest judoka, Jamie comes to us from Penn State University where he earned his shodan rank under the guidance of the highly respected Sensei Oishi. Jamie brings a great classical judo foundation to FightWorks and is a gifted addition to our team. Jamie holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Aerospace Engineering