History and Mission
Goltz Judo, LLC was founded in late 1988 by Sensei Gary Goltz. Classes began in early 1989 at Chaffey Community College
Today, it is one of the largest judo programs in the nation and has been affiliated with Claremont Human Services since 1990
Mayor Ceritificate - Claremont's #1 Program
This will be acheived by emphasizing judo's ultimate goal of developing fine people
Judo is ideal for developing confidence in children to help prevent bullying
The program is listed as a credit course for the Claremont Mudd Scripps Colleges
Sensei Gary's Thoughts on Parents, Black Belts, & Coaches
Read what students and parents had to say about Goltz Judo
Claremont Human Services Cover Photos - 2004, 2009, 2012, 2015, & 2021
Claremont Alexander Hughes Community Center Celebrating 20th Anniversary 2021
Goltz Judo is a member in good standing of:
United States Judo Federation (USJF)
United States Judo Association (USJA)
USA Judo - National Governing Body (USAJ)
Claremont Parade 2006
Sensei Gary & O.J. Soler in 1989 and 2019
Class Photo from 1989 - More Class Photos on Facebook
About Goltz Judo's Name & Logo
Goltz Judo's logo was designed by Sensei Gary's dad, the late Julius Goltz. It depicts the true character of a judoka, softness on the outside with fire on the inside. It is in the shape of an octagon representing the eight directional points of balance which are the basis for turning and pivoting, attacking, and defending. The Kanji are "Ju" for gentleness and "Do" for way. Inside the logo is the Kodokan Judo symbol. It is a Japanese white cherry blossom, which is comprised of a gentle, cool, and soft exterior surrounding a red center interior that like the Japanese rising sun flag is hard, fierce, and focused.
The name of the club is Goltz because Sensei Gary decided to use his family name at the urgence of his longtime friend and judo mentor the late Dr. Zarantonello aka Dr. Z who told him, Goltz sounded a lot like Gold as in 'Gold's Gym'. Dr. Z said if he had a short easy name like that he'd use it too. Sensei Gary's grandfather Max Goltz immigrated to the US in 1910 from Russia. His original last name was Pisengoltz which was shortened by the officials at Ellis Island to Goltz, (view dramatic reenactment). Upon settling in Pittsburgh he built a successful fruit market and became a real estate investor.
The 'Kosher Nostra' Behind Goltz Judo
