Clyde Worthen
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Clyde Worthen (May 11, 1944-), born in Arizona, U.S. is a 6th Degree Black Belt judoka. He was trained by Yoshisada Yonezuka at the Cranford Judo Karate Center. Worthen, however, had started his fighting career as a wrestler and did not start Judo until the age of 20. He became famous for his "Osoto" and "Hari" moves as a left handed judoka. He currently teaches judo to high school students in New Jersey. One of his most prominent students was Steven Mocco, two time NCAA heavyweight wrestling champion and current Olympic hopeful.
[edit] Accomplishments In Judo
Clyde Worthen lived and trained in Japan for 5 months and competed throughout the world. He won the gold medal in the 1976 Pan American Games, and was a member world championship team in 1969, 1971, 1975, and 1977. He was also a member of four U.S. World Teams. Worthen won the National Judo Championship for the third consecutive year at the Senior National Competition in 2004.
Coaching History
- Certified coach of USA Judo.
- Coached many students to national and international level.
- Coached 1992 Olympic team for pre-olympic European training tour.
- Coached U.S. team for Rodriguez Cup in Cuba.
Championships/Awards
- Member of 4 U.S. World Judo teams.
- 18 consecutive New Jersey State championship titles.
- Senior National middleweight champion.
- Pan American gold medalist.
- North American Black Belt middleweight champion.
- Current National Masters middleweight champion 2001 – 2005.
[edit] His Purpose
Clyde's mission in judo, is "to introduce the sport of judo to as many people as possible, regardless of their abilities and levels of participation. To set a positive example for all whom I may teach or may step on our mat. To teach our young students that effort, self improvement, courage and sportsmanship are as important as winning."
