RENEE J. ROBINSON, BS, Computer Science
USJA Life Member – USJJF – USA Judo

Renee, Yondan, 4th Degree Black Belt, Kodokan Judo, is presently the Executive Director of Administration and Marketing, Armed Services Judo & Jujitsu Academy, Pensacola, Florida. She also played key roles for the development of the United States Armed Forces Judo in Southeast Asia, Republic of Germany and the Republic of South Korea.

Renee, a native Bostonian, was introduced to Judo in 1989 through the teachings of her husband, Grandmaster H. G. Robby Robinson, Kudan, Kodokan Traditional Judo. Her exceptional administrative, computer skills and keen eye towards marketing programs designed primarily for members of the US Armed Services, family members, military retirees and civilian employees, has contributed enormously to the success of many Judo clubs both nationally and internationally.

During a visit in 1989 to the Republic of Korea, she met her husband, a well-known and respected martial arts instructor. Married in Seoul, Korea in 1990, Renee became an integral part of herhusband’s ongoing efforts to develop the art of Judo and Jujitsu to the military communities including Camps Casey, Greaves, Howze, Walker and Yongsan.

Leaving South Korea in 1996, Renee’s husband, a Department of the Army Director of Community Activities was assigned a job at the Presidio of Monterey Language Center, Foreign Language Institute, and within two-years they relocated to Germany in 1998.

With little delay after arriving in Germany, Renee co-developed the Judo and Self-Defense programs at Warner Barracks, Bamberg, Germany (Bavaria). Upon the birth of their daughter Jasmine in 2003, her husband opted for early retirement and the family relocated to Bangkok, Thailand. After several years, they decided to return to Pensacola, Florida.

Leaving Pensacola in 1989 for South Korea, her husband left behind a flourishing Judo club at the Navy’s Corry Technical Training Center. In 2005, the Robinsons once again took up the reins and began to support the still active Judo club program that had since been relocated to the Naval Air Station.

In view of incorporating other martial arts to compliment the Judo program, the former Pensacola Judo Club was renamed the Armed Services Judo & Jujitsu Academy – “Warriors”.  One of the most active Judo clubs in Florida, the overall membership is closing in on 150 members, both adults and youth.

For her outstanding record of volunteer assistance to the Department of the Army, in the Republic of Korea, she was decorated with the Army Commander’s Medal for Outstanding Public Service. As a Morale, Welfare and Recreation Volunteer (in excess of 25,000 hours) and for her international civic action support from 1990 - 2002, Renee was selected as the overall “2002 United States Army Europe Outstanding Morale, Welfare and Recreation Volunteer of the Year.”

As such, the late elder sister of the King of Thailand, Princess Galayani wrote a personnel letter to Professor and Mrs. Robinson praising them for their outstanding humanitarian assistance since 1968 to the present time. High praise was also extended by a Letter of Commendation by Air Chief Marshall Chaloey Warintrakom, Commanding General, Royal Thai Security Forces addressed to General Montgomery Meigs, Commanding General, US Forces in Europe and 7th Army, for the Robinson's magnificent and unprecedented humanitarian support and their roles as American Ambassadors of Goodwill. This letter was relayed to the Commanding General, 1st Infantry Division and presented in a formal ceremony to Prof. and Mrs. Robinson in March 2003.

Renee's honors:

- August 2, 2008: Inducted into the 3rd Annual Southeastern Hall of Fame for Martial Arts Spirit and Continuing Excellence for 20 years of international service to the development and support of martial arts.

- December 19, 2009: Inducted into the 4th Annual Southeastern Hall of Fame for Gold Lifetime Achievement for distinction through willingness to apply the discipline necessary to develop the body, mind & spirit through commitment, detemination and hard work.