Why does Judo have multiple organizations? Which is the most traditional and which is largest?

I see Judo organizations under the USJA, USJF, USA Judo. Why the multiple organizations for the same sport? Does it matter which one an Olympic aspiring athlete chooses?


Can anyone break down the differences?|||Simple reason, Politics.





Don%26#039;t foget about a USJI





A group of people not liking how one organization is run creates their own, it grows etc.





As far as aspiring Olympic it really doesn%26#039;t matter.





The break down is kind of hard really, mostly politics and a few real differences if any.





The largest is probably USJI, it is what holds the most members, as well as the oldest (I believe).





Dues are so low for most of these places that it is not unusual for Judoka to have a membership in more than one. Most Olympians hold a USJI card and USJA card so that they can compete in events for both.





Big thing is to work up towards Elite level (ranking system is slightly different per organization, hard to explain) by placing in National level tournaments, or qualifying for Nationals by placing the top 3 of a Ladder tournament.





Each competetion has a point system assigned to it, and obviously you want to build up points toward elite level ranking.





Placing in State Level, National Level or International Level (Such as various Opens) grants you a certain amount of points.





You reach Elite status you will be invited to the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO. From there you can work out with and get to know other top competetors.





In the year preceding an Olympics they will have Olympic Trials in which you can compete as an Elite level Competetor, if you win you are on the Team, if you place second you are an Alternate.





It is not unusual for any sport to have multiple organizations. Boxing, Kickboxing, (At one point Basketball and Football had different organizations before joining the NFL and NBA). etc





Don%26#039;t worry about the organization, choose whatever group your dojo is affiliated with. Placing at tournaments is the road towards the Olympics.





Good luck to you, I hope to see you there. If you reach Elite status we probably will meet.