Brian Olson

Brian Olson, Chief Instructor and 1996 and 2000 Olympic Team Member is one of America’s most well known names in the judo world today both as an athlete and as one of the fastest rising stars in the national coaching arena. Brian’s knowledge of the sport of judo is derived from 22 years of experience in the competition world both competing and coaching. His impressive competitive background includes 14 years on the national team where he represented the U.S. in international competition all over the world.

Brian, a two-time Olympic Team member, finished 7th in the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. In 1995, he began to shine internationally when he took 5th place at the Goodwill Games. As a several time World Team member, he captured the bronze medal in the 1997World Championships and was ranked third in the world. In 1999, Brian continued his winning streak by capturing the gold medal in the Pan American Games. His impressive resume is filled with victories including nine medals at the annual U.S. International Invitational, the largest international judo event in the hemisphere. In addition, Brian is a five-time U.S. National Champion. Brian possesses an impressive junior competitive record as well, winning several junior national titles and representing his country at the Junior World Championships.

In the coaching world, Brian is quickly making a name for himself. Brian’s coaching experience began as an athlete assistant coach in the US Olympic Training Center Junior Judo Program. He went on to coach senior athletes privately and then opened the Boulder Judo Training Center. Brian is now a nationally certified coach and is consistently producing winning athletes. Building their own impressive records, some of Brian’s students have already won medals in the U.S. National Masters Competition, the World Masters Competition, the U.S. Junior Olympics, the U.S. Junior Nationals, the Miami International Invitational and the Denver Classic. Brian attributes his coaching success to his ability to teach the technical aspects of judo as well as the emphasis he places on his student’s personal growth and character development.

Brian has consistently been a leader in his sport as well as in the Olympic world. United States Judo, Inc., realizing Brian’s leadership ability, named him as an athlete-voting delegate to their Board of Directors where he made significant contributions. In 2000, Brian further expanded his leadership role in the Olympic world by accepting a role on the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) Board of Directors, Athlete’s Advisory Council. The selection of Brian to the USOC Board of Directors is extremely significant since each sport is only allowed one athlete to serve as their representative. In addition, Brian was selected team captain of the United States Olympic Training Center Judo Team.

Brian is an increasingly sought after speaker, he has addressed many audiences on the Olympic movement and human potential. Some of the groups he has spoken to include the Special Olympics, youth, community and religious organizations as well as the corporate community. Brian also devotes much of his time to speaking to students of all ages around the nation. He is known for his ability to tailor his speech to his audience and engage them with his wit and charm.

Brian has been the recipient of several prestigious awards. In 1998, the US Olympic Committee named Brian as their Athlete of the Year for the Sport of judo. He was also featured in Olympian Magazine and has been named “Most Outstanding Player” at the U.S. Nationals.