A long-standing advocate for athlete development and inclusion, Malloy now serves as a driving force behind YULF’s growing mission to build a stronger future for the sport. The newly launched programmes, the Youth Judo Project and the Women’s Judo Initiative, mark major steps forward in that mission.
“These new programmes are the next evolution of coach Uchida’s vision, a world where judo creates strong minds, strong communities and strong leaders,” said Malloy. “It’s only possible thanks to incredible support from donors and our judo community.”
The Youth Judo Project is designed to support young judoka from under-resourced communities by providing mentorship, training opportunities and financial assistance. Its goal is to break down socio-economic barriers and make judo more accessible to all. The Women’s Judo Initiative seeks to expand competitive and leadership opportunities for women and girls in judo, ensuring gender equity across all levels of the sport.
These initiatives follow a successful spring season for SJSU Judo, where athletes highlighted the programme at national and international competitions, including the World University Games, taking place in Germany now.
July also marks YULF’s one-year anniversary. In just twelve months, the foundation has supported student-athletes with scholarships, funded travel and training grants, and launched innovative programming with the power to change lives.
“I owe my success in judo to a community that stepped in and ensured I had what I needed to grow,” concluded Malloy. “Now we’re working to give the next generation that same chance.”
With these new initiatives, the Yoshihiro Uchida Legacy Foundation and Marti Malloy are not only honouring a rich legacy but are shaping a more inclusive and accessible future for judo in the United States. The journey is just beginning and the impact promises to be lasting.
To learn more, please visit: https://www.yulf.org/