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As former national and internationally competitive judoka, married couple Alaa & Kristin El Idrissi sought to bring growth to judo in Kristin's hometown of Philadelphia. Having grown up in a judo family, she has the vision of making the city of brotherly love, a hub for judo in the US. This vision encapsulates the need to grow awareness and participation of the sport, to provide local resources that will elevate exposure of the mental and physical benefits of the sport to local residents.
By creating community-building events, building athlete resources, and providing needs-based sponsorship creation the board hopes to create interest in the Olympic sport of judo not just competitively, but also from a self defense, anti-bullying, and self-improvement perspective.
All members of the board truly believe in the benefits that judo can have on a persons life - mentally and physically. It is our hope that a larger portion of the Philadelphia population can bring these benefits back to the community.
Kristin El Idrissi, BSE, PMP, Executive Director:
Kristin brings 17+ years of professional experience to her position at Philadelphia Judo Evolution (PJE). She holds a BSE in Mechanical Engineering and a Certification in Project Management. Kristin demonstrates extensive experience in both the private and public sector. She has developed and overseen budgets, managed product development, led project teams, and acted as department director. Kristin has also driven strategic planning and data analytics. Kristin’s background makes her well-positioned to lead PJE. Kristin’s driving approach to her work is to acknowledge that members of a team want to feel valued. By fostering gratitude, providing support, and listening empathetically, teams are able to creatively problem solve and flourish as individuals towards goals.
In addition to her professional experience, Kristin is a co-owner of judo dojo, managing operations and coaching athletes for 7+ years. Kristin annually co-directs a national level judo tournament. She is a third degree black belt and former member of USA Judo’s Athlete Advisory Committee. Kristin holds a USA Judo coaching certification and also earned an instructor certification from the Kodokan, judo’s founding academy.
In her free time, Kristin likes to spend time with her husband and children, playing outside, reading and exploring new places.
Lori Latimer, MSW, LCSW, Chief Operations Officer:
Lori comes to her role at Philadelphia Judo Evolution with 18+ years of professional experience. She is a Master’s level Licensed Clinical Social Worker. In addition to her time as a direct practice clinician, Lori has experience with program and project management, grant writing, research, and quality assurance. She has held positions in departmental and organization leadership, providing direct supervision for staff and participating in strategic planning. Lori’s professional background compliments PJE’s goals and mission. She takes a collaborative, inclusive approach to her work to develop mission-driven outcomes and foster innovation.
Lori is a second degree black belt and has served as an assistant judo instructor for 6+ years. In addition to coaching, she contributes to the judo community by volunteering at tournaments and other events. Lori has qualified for the U.S. World Team for kata (judo technical forms) and also holds an instructor certification from the Kodokan.
In her free time, Lori likes to have as much fun as possible with her husband and their two cats and two dogs. She also loves baking treats for her family, friends, and teammates.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The board meets quarterly to determine the strategic focuses, to review the annual budgetary plans, and to evaluate changes required within the non-profit. The board provides instrumental support in planning events, coordinating partnerships and helping to elevate access to judo in the Philadelphia area.
Board Members (not pictured): Tina Moyerman, Ray Huxen, Dan Kurtz, Gabriel Costa
Annual reports will be posted here each year.
Bylaws (which can be accessed here)
Andre Watson
Psy.D., NCPsyA, PLY, is a clinical psychologist, lifelong martial artist, and President of the board of the Philadelphia Judo Evolution (PJE).
A member of the 2008 U.S. Paralympic Team, he has competed as a national and international judoka representing the United States. As a visually impaired athlete, Dr. Watson brings a deep commitment to people, a passion for growth, and a relentless drive to help others reach their potential.
He has been supported and developed by the Philadelphia judo community throughout his career and reflects the power of a community to shape not just an athlete, but a man. He maintains a longstanding relationship with El Idrissi Academy, where he was deeply influenced by the guidance, leadership, and teachings of Senseis Alaa and Kristin El Idrissi. Dr. Watson currently serves as a clinical psychologist within the Athletics Department at Swarthmore College and maintains a private practice working with individuals, families, and high performers. He is a certified modern psychoanalyst and is currently pursuing certification in mental performance. Drawing on his experience in judo, jujitsu, Tang Soo Do, and adaptive sports for the blind and visually impaired, he integrates lived athletic experience with psychology in his personal and professional life.
As President of Philadelphia Judo Evolution (PJE), his work is centered on building community, developing confidence, and creating spaces where people can grow together through the practice of judo. He is committed to expanding access to judo and ensuring that individuals, families, and children experience the same sense of connection, confidence, and community that shaped his own journey.
Outside of judo and his professional work, Dr. Watson enjoys competitive audio darts for the visually impaired, TRAVELING, and spending time with his wife and daughter. He is also the author of Vision in the Dark: How Living in the Dark Taught Me to See the Light, as he tells his story on finding clarity, purpose, and insight in the midst of blindness.
Joe Condello
Professional Expertise: Retired with 15 years in Education & 25 years in I.T
Relationship to judo: Began Judo at 16, competed for 20+ years, ran Edgemont Judo for 10 years, co-tournament director of The Liberty Bell Classic Judo Tournament for 25 years, active at El Idrissi Judo Academy
I believe with a collaborative effort of our present community, PJE can vastly expand the opportunities for Judo awareness and access in the Philadelphia area.
Jennifer Chu
Professional Expertise: nonprofit leadership, education
Former wrestler attempting judo along my 6 year old daughter!
PJE is providing an important service in the Philadelphia area to spread the word about an amazing sport and community.
Dave Magaldi
Professional expertise: Risk Management and Law
Relationship to judo: Student and assistant coach.
PJE is focused on spreading Judo to Philadelphia communities that would not otherwise be exposed to our great sport.
Chad Levine
Areas of professional expertise : Finance/trading
Relationship to judo : student
Judo is a sport that requires mutually beneficial cooperation. I can't think of a more important thing that society needs right now.
Dajé Walker
Professional expertise: K-12 Education, Project Management
Relationship to judo: Student, assistant coach
I look forward to Philadelphia Judo Evolution bringing the joy and community from Judo to women across the Philadelphia area.
Dan Kurtz
Professional expertise: Non-profit Executive and Educator
Relationship to judo: Life-long judoka with more than 50 years on the tatami, former international coach and competitor, current crotchety old guy on the mat
Judo was a gift that taught me respect, resilience, confidence, and how to strive for success and overcome adversity. It also provided me a community, global family, and showed me the world. Through PJE I hope to collaborate to create opportunities for others to benefit from the power of judo.
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