| Yonah Melnik - Judo | ||
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Yonah Melnik sensei was born in 1949, in Germany, when the family was on her way for Israel from Poland. He lives in Hod Hasharon, married to Norma and father of Rona and Ari.
Judo education Started practicing Judo since the age of 15 at Ramat Hen, following a friend. His first teacher was Yehuda Vas Dias.
During the years 1971 to 1973 he practiced in Philadelphia under the guidance of Takahiko Ishikawa Sensei, who was All Japan Champion in 1949-1950. He got from him his main Judo education. During 1976 he practiced in Tokyo, at the Seikijuko under Isao Okano sensei, who was All Japan Champion in 1967 and 1969, Olympic Champion in 1964 and World Champion in 1965.
Competitive achievements Yonah sensei was Israel National Champion from 1969 and during 14 consecutive years.
Yonah Melnik was the first Israeli Judoka to win international tournaments: twice gold medalist at the Scandinavian Open, one gold medal at the Belgian Open and twice bronze medal at the British Open Judo Championships.
Champion of the Maccabiah Games in 1973 and 1977.
He participated in 10 European and 2 World Championships.
He took part in the Olympic Games in Montreal and was a member of the Olympic team to Moscow Olympics, in which Israel did not compete following the boycott.
Was awarded Sportsman of the Year prize 5 times, between 1974 and 1979.
Professional achievements First Dan from the Israel Judo Association at 1969 during his army service.
6th Dan at 1988.
7th Dan was awarded by the European Judo Union in 2002.
Graduated coaching course of the Wingate Institute at 1984.
Graduated special course for National Coaches of the Wingate Institute at 1986.
Member of the Refereeing committee of the Israeli Judo Association as Senior National Referee from 1981.
Continental Referee of the European Judo Union from 1993.
Senior examiner for the Israeli Judo Association from 1990.
Coaching career Head coach of the Israel Budokan Judo Club since 1970.
Head coach of the Israeli National Judo Team between 1981-1987. Coached the Israel National Judo Delegation for the Los Angeles Olympics.
Head coach of the Boarding School for Gifted Judoka at the Wingate Institute since 1994. Students and former students of this program constitute today the main core of the National Teams, men and women.
Head coach of the National Judo Team from 2000 until now.
Was awarded the prize of "Outstanding Coach" from the Minister of Education, 2003.
Member of the Professional Board of the Zinman College for coaches at the Wingate Institute, Israel.
Yonah sensei's clubs and programs have produced a large number of Israel champions, they are prominent amongst National Team members, and a lot of key functions in the Israeli Judo are held by former students of him: Chairman of the Judo Association, Chairman of the Refereeing committee, members of the Directive Committee of the Association, National coaches and active club coaches and instructors.
Website: http://www.judoyonah.com e-mail: ari_ml@netvision.net.il Phone: 052-2536691
Written by Yonah sensei's student Dr. M. Schwartz (M.D., Shodan)
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