The US Open is the oldest and most prestigious international Judo championship sponsored by USA JUDO annually. This year the tournament was held in Norcross, GA on October 19 - 21. There were over 200 competitors from around the world at this event. The GMAU was represented by Paul Tarrant, 5th Dan Kodokan Judo, both as an international referee and as a competitor in the Masters Division. As a referee Paul was rated satisfactory and was able to renew his Pan American Referee License. Paul competed on Sunday afternoon and went 3-0 to win his division. In the finals Paul faced Najun Kim of Korea. 17 seconds into the match Paul caught Master Kim with a left side Harai-goshi (Sweeping Hip Throw) to score Ippon winning both the match and the tournament.