Clyde Worthen (born May 11, 1944), born in Arizona, United States, is a 6th Degree Black Belt judoka. He was trained by Yoshisada Yonezuka at the Cranford Judo Karate Center.
Clyde Worthen | |
|---|---|
| Born | |
| Occupation | Martial artist |
| Known for | Proficiency in judo |
Worthen started his fighting career as a wrestler and did not start judo until the age of 20. He became known for his "Osoto" and "Hari" moves as a left-handed judoka.[citation needed] He currently[when?] teaches judo in New Jersey. Among his students was Steven Mocco, two-time NCAA heavyweight wrestling champion and Olympic hopeful.[citation needed]
Worthen says his 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".[citation needed]
Accomplishments In Judo
editClyde Worthen lived and trained in Japan for 5 months. He has 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.