Karen Hummer (born February 25, 1962), from Cranford, New Jersey, is a former competitor in Judo and a US National Champion.

Early life

Hummer began judo as a child when her father was a judo instructor at the Judo and Karate Center in Cranford, New Jersey. At age 12, as a third degree brown belt, she competed in the US National Championship in Judo. She defeated four opponents to earn a win.

Career

Prior to competing at the National Championship, Hummmer earned wins at various state tournaments including one held at

Trenton State College The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) is a public university in Ewing Township, New Jersey. It is part of New Jersey's public system of higher education. Established in 1855 as the New Jersey State Normal School, TCNJ was the first normal school, or ...

. She trained out of New Jersey under judo instructor and two time U.S. Olympic Judo Team coach

Yoshisada Yonezuka , was a Judo instructor and two time U.S. Olympic Judo Team coach. Personal life He began training in track and sumo wrestling as a child. In 1954, he began to train in judo in high school and became the Northern Japan High School Champion in 1955 ...

. In 1974, she was the youngest competitor in the Senior USA AAU Nationals at Arizona and the youngest person to ever win the AAU USA National Senior Champions. Hummer is believed to be the youngest national championship winner at the age in Judo history.

References

1962 births Living people People from Cranford, New Jersey American female judoka 21st-century American women Sportspeople from New Jersey {{US-judo-bio-stub