Profile of Sensei Gary Goltz

Black Belt Magazine Photo

Sensei Gary Goltz, 7th dan, began studying judo in his hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania under the famous Korean champion in 1965, Kyu Ha Kim, 9th dan, owner of Kim's Martial Arts. He also trained under the 1967 World Silver Medalist Kiel Soon Park, 9th dan, President of the Korean Yudo Association in the USA. In 1971, Sensei Gary initiated a judo program at the University of Pittsburgh, which is still going strong today. He began to emerged as a judo leader after joining forces with the late Nick Zaffuto in 1975. With his help Gary was elected Regional AAU Chairman for Pittsburgh in 1977.

·        Portrait & Profile of Mr. Kim

·        Watch a video of Sensei Gary with Mr. Kim in 1970

·        View classic photos of Sensei Gary at Mr. Kim's Dojo

·       Tribute to Mr. Kim video at his 75th birthday in 2010

·      Sensei Gary reunited with Kiel Soon Park video in 2010

After moving to Southern California, Sensei Gary recognized the need for a dojo in his local area and founded Goltz Judo Club in 1987.  He then formed a close friendship with the late Dr. Osvaldo Zarantonello, 9th dan, who was the club's technical advisor.  Sensei Gary is a Life Member (#1234) and Benefactor of the United States Judo Association to which he was inducted into their Hall of Fame as 2003 Coach of the Year. In 2006 Sensei Gary was asked by the USJA's Board to serve as COO and in 2010 he was elected to the Board of Directors who then voted him President and CEO. 

Sensei Gary's judo mentors Mr. Kim & Dr. Z

Sensei Gary Allegheny Mountain AAU Champion 1968

Sensei Gary at age 18

Sensei Gary with Kiel Soon Park in 1972

Sensei Gary as featured in Black Belt Magazine

More of Sensei Gary's Videos, Interviews, & Articles:

Sensei Gary with fellow advisors to the LAPD's Arrest & Control Unit

Sensei Gary's Judo Credentials:

·         USJA Master Coach, Rank Examiner, Kata Instructor, & National Referee

·         Defensive Tactics Consultant to the Los Angeles Police Department

·         JRDG Kappo Katsu-Hou (Japanese Resuscitation) Certified in Japan

Olympic Champion Saito, Dr. Z, & Sensei Gary with Blind Team at the Kodokan

Sensei Gary's Distinctions as a Judo Coach:

·         US Blind Team, 1991 World Championships

·         California Goodwill 1992 & 1995 Judo Missions to Japan

·         Callae Goltz, 1990, 1991, 1992 (Triple Crown), 1993, & 1994 Junior National Champion

·         Gabriel Goltz, 1992 & 1993 Junior National Champion

·          Nathan Goltz, 1992, 1993, & 1994 Junior National Champion

·         Recipient, Nanka Outstanding Judoka Award, 2011

Keiko Fukuda, 10th Dan with Callae Goltz in 1993

Sensei Gary with his kids & Toshiro Daigo, 10th Dan in 1995 (Note is from 2010)

Sensei Gary's Accomplishments as President & CEO of the USJA:

·          Lead the USJA from a $50K deficit to a $80K surplus - interview

·          Initiated USJA recognition of Theodore Roosevelt and Jeremy Glick

·          Developed partnerships with GTMA, Black Belt Magazine, and many more

·          Created Grassroots Judo™ with the USJF including joint national tournaments

·          Negotiated the first cooperation agreement between the USJA, USJF, and USA Judo

Presidents; Sensei Gary USJA, Neil Simon USJF, and Lance Nading USA Judo

Sensei Gary presenting award to Jason Morris 92 Olympic Silver Medalist with Tony Okada

Sensei Gary with World Champion Kayla Harrison

Sensei Gary with the late George Harris, 10th Dan in 1977 & 2007

Sensei Gary, Jim Bregman & Yonah Melnik, Coach of Israel

Note to Sensei Gary from "Judo" Gene LeBell

Sensei Gary presenting a certificate to Hayward Nishioka

Sensei Gary with his close friend and mentor Karl Geis, 9th Dan

The late Helio Gracie signed "to my good friend Sensei Gary" in his book

"with much respect" from judoka and actor Bo Svenson

Sensei Gary with Enter the Dragon Karate Champion Bob Wall

Sensei Gary's Education & Business Credentials:

·         B.A., University of Pittsburgh, Rhetoric & Communications, Cum Laude, 1976

·         M.B.A., Pepperdine University, President & Key Executive Program, with Honor, 1988

·         Executive Council Member, ABL Healthcare Organization, since 1989

·         Founder & Principal, Goltz Healthcare Sales Strategies, since 1995



Sensei Gary's Affiliations & Awards:

·         Recipient, Mayor's Certificate of Tribute, City of Los Angeles, 2000

·         Community Service Award, Chaffey Joint Union School District, 1995

·         Ernst & Young, Los Angeles Entrepreneur of the Year, Nominee, 1993

·         Director of Parades, Los Angeles City Council District 4, Hollywood

·         Life Member, California Highway Patrol 11-99 Foundation

·      Owner of the Broderick Crawford Highway Patrol 1955 Buick

Contact Info: E-mail gary@goltzjudo.com Phone/Text (909) 702-3250 or (909) 985-0486

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