We'd like to thank the special attention and promptness of the IJF Executive Committee Members as follows:
Ms. EUN, Joo Ra - Secretary to the President
Mr. MOON, John - Assistant to the President
Mr. YOO, David - Secretary to the President

Carlos AMC Cunha - Coord.

BAHI, Sergio Adib - Ex-president of the Pan-American Judo Union (PJU) and vice-president of the International Judo Federation (IJF). I met him in 1969, when I started my participations in the Sao Paulo Judo Federation championships. In that time, Mr. Bahi was the vice-president of that entity. His prompt attention and work for the judo development makes me feel happy for being included in his friends list. Mr. BAHI died last year (Jul 25th '99).
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INOKUMA Sensei - I had the opportunity to meet one of the greatest legends of the whole history of the judo. In the years of 1978, 1979 and 1980, when I was a competitor, Prof. Inokuma was the general coordinator of the judo department of Tokai University, at that time number one of all Japan. Later, retired from competitions and back to Japan for business, I could review him, to talk and to learn a little bit more.
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OIDE, Fuyo - All those who trained judo in Brazil in the decades of 60, 70 and 80, can't deny that Prof. Oide was an "alive judo encyclopedia". Responsible for one of the strongest senior teams of all times, it was usual a National Team have at least two of his pupils. It was a pleasure to have him as my coach in the Pan-American Games and to learn a lot of "ne-waza" in the Sao Paulo Judo Federation trainings.
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SATO, Nobuyuki - I grew up following many of the Prof. Sato's results: Japanese, World and Olympic champion in the seventies. When we met, he was Yamashita's coach, in that time ascending his meteoric career. Besides of realizing a childhood dream, I had the pleasure of training with him in 1978, 1979 and 1980. An unforgettable experience. The impeccable technique, vitality and good humor are marks of his personality.
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YAHIRO Sensei - In the seventies Prof. Yahiro was in Brazil and I had the pleasure of knowing him for a brief period. Then I met him in Japan during the 1st Jigoro Kano Cup. Up to now I don't know what's more notable: if his huge technical knowledge of judo or the depth of his words. It was almost a "religious" experience. He is a person who definitively marks the life of all those who have the chance of knowing him.

YAMAMOTO Sensei - I met Prof. Yamamoto in the end of the decade of 70, when he was in Brazil hired by Gama Filho University. I remember that I used to go to Rio de Janeiro to have the opportunity of learning from him. In 1980, in Japan, I had the opportunity of being invited to his home (in the surroundings of Nagoya) and to train in the Nagoya Police dojo, where he was the main coach. Great coach, great athlete and great host.

YAMASHITA, Yasuhiro - I met Yamashita in 1978, in Rio de Janeiro, during the World University Championship. Two weeks later, I went to Japan to participate in the 1st Jigoro Kano Cup and, then, I had the privilege of staying and training daily with him for two months. It was a great experience: to watch the greatest champion of all times day-to-day. In 1980 for more 50 days, a little before the Moscow Olympic Games.

MILLER, John - Director of Operations of the USJI (United States Judo Inc.), he became a very good virtual friend of mine during the last year. Despite of any personal contact (up to now), we've been in touch almost weekly for informations exchanges and cooperation. Without any doubt, Miller's friendship was one of the best things of '99.
"Hope seing you soon, John ! "