Mike Swain
Encyclopedia
Michael Lee Swain (born December 21, 1960 in Elizabeth, New Jersey
) is one of the most successful American
judokas. He competed in three consecutive Summer Olympics, starting in 1984.
, and a number of World Championships.
In addition to these well-known competitions, he participated in a number of tournaments that are less-known outside of the judo world, but very prestigious within it, such as the Kano Cup in 1986. Just in major international competitions, his record includes six gold medals, eleven silver medals, and nine bronze medals. As a competitor, Swain was known for his elegant classic Japanese style, having travelled to Japan
as a young man to study. Later in his career, he coached the US men's team in the 1996 Olympics
.
He is an alumnus of the San José State University
judo program, training under Yosh Uchida
. He is currently a coach for the Spartans
, and handles much of the head coaching duties for the semi-retired Uchida. In 2005, Swain and the SJSU Judo Executive Committee established The Swain Scholarship, the first judo athletic scholarship
at a major American university.
Swain is the owner of Swain Sports in Campbell, California
.
at 61 kg.
Elizabeth, New Jersey
Elizabeth is a city in Union County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city had a total population of 124,969, retaining its ranking as New Jersey's fourth largest city with an increase of 4,401 residents from its 2000 Census population of 120,568...
) is one of the most successful American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
judokas. He competed in three consecutive Summer Olympics, starting in 1984.
Biography
Swain became the first American male to win the Judo World Championships when he took the gold medal in 1987. He competed in four Olympics, winning a bronze medal in 1988Judo at the 1988 Summer Olympics
The Judo competition at the 1988 Summer Olympics continued the seven weight classes first used at the 1980 Games. The open division was eliminated from the competition. Women's judo made its first appearance at the Olympic Games, as a demonstration sport...
, and a number of World Championships.
In addition to these well-known competitions, he participated in a number of tournaments that are less-known outside of the judo world, but very prestigious within it, such as the Kano Cup in 1986. Just in major international competitions, his record includes six gold medals, eleven silver medals, and nine bronze medals. As a competitor, Swain was known for his elegant classic Japanese style, having travelled to Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
as a young man to study. Later in his career, he coached the US men's team in the 1996 Olympics
Judo at the 1996 Summer Olympics
This page shows the final results of the Judo Competition at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.Kye Sun-Hui surprised spectators by winning gold in the women's extra-lightweight event. She had obtained a wildcard entry to the Games.-Men's events:...
.
He is an alumnus of the San José State University
San José State University
San Jose State University is a public university located in San Jose, California, United States...
judo program, training under Yosh Uchida
Yosh Uchida
Yoshihiro "Yosh" Uchida is an American businessman, entrepreneur, and educator who is best known for his contributions to judo...
. He is currently a coach for the Spartans
San José State Spartans
The San Jose State Spartans is the name of the athletic teams representing San Jose State University. SJSU sports teams compete in the Western Athletic Conference at the NCAA Division I level...
, and handles much of the head coaching duties for the semi-retired Uchida. In 2005, Swain and the SJSU Judo Executive Committee established The Swain Scholarship, the first judo athletic scholarship
Athletic scholarship
An athletic scholarship is a form of scholarship to attend a college or university awarded to an individual based predominantly on his or her ability to play in a sport...
at a major American university.
Swain is the owner of Swain Sports in Campbell, California
Campbell, California
Campbell is a city in Santa Clara County, California, a suburb of San Jose, and part of Silicon Valley, in the San Francisco Bay Area. As of the 2010 U.S. Census, Campbell's population is 39,349...
.
Personal
Swain is married to Chie Swain, who represented Brazil in the 1992 OlympicsJudo at the 1992 Summer Olympics
The Judo competition at the 1992 Summer Olympics was contested in fourteen weight classes, seven each for men and women. The seven men's weight classes continued to be those first used in 1980. This was the first Olympic competition to award medals to women judoka; women competed in 1988 as a...
at 61 kg.
Other Notable Judo Figures
- Jigoro Kano
- Kyuzo MifuneKyuzo Mifunehas been categorized as one of the greatest exponents of the art of judo after the founder, Kanō Jigorō. He is considered by many to be the greatest judo technician ever, after Kanō.-Early life:...
- Masahiko KimuraMasahiko Kimurawas a Japanese judoka who is widely considered one of the greatest judoka of all time. Kimura was born on September 10, 1917 in Kumamoto, Japan...
- Gene LeBellGene LeBellIvan Gene LeBell is a former American Judo champion, instructor, stunt performer, stunt coordinator, and professional wrestler born in Los Angeles, California. LeBell has worked on over 1,000 films and TV shows, and has authored a number of books.In 2000, he was promoted to 9th Dan in US Ju-Jitsu...
- Teimoc JohnstonTeimoc JohnstonTeimoc Johnston is an Olympic Judo competitor and master instructor. With a lifetime of experience as a student, a teacher, and a competitor in Judo, Jiu Jitsu, and Sombo, Teimoc has a diverse and unique perspective on martial arts training....
- Jimmy PedroJimmy PedroJames A. Pedro is one of the most successful American judo competitors ever, having even won two bronze medals in the Olympics.Pedro was the World Champion at 73 kg in 1998...
Sources
- Swain, Michael Ashiwaza II Swain's book on ashi-waza, a category of judo throws accomplished with the feet. ISBN 1-874572-65-8