Tony Camal
SIXTH DAN JUDO BLACK BELT
Anthony “Tony” Camal started his Judo training in 1967 at age six. Along with his parents and three brothers, he studied under Sensei Yoshiro Matsamura at Manhattan’s Inwood Dojo.
In 1972, Tony’s father, William “Bill” Camal received his Shodan (first dan black belt) and opened Fort Lee Judo where Tony continued his training.
In 1977, Tony was sent back by his father to Sensei Matsumura at the Yonkers YMCA and the NYAC to train for national competitions. Then in 1978, Tony became a Junior Olympic National Champion. In 1979, the High School National Champion.
Tony moved to New Jersey and continued his training under 2x USA Olympic Judo Team Coach, Sensei Yonezuka, of Cranford Judo Center. Tony took 3rd place in the USA Judo Senior National Championships in both 1989 and 1990. Tony also won or placed in Pan American International events in Mexico and Canada.
Tony’s competitive career ended in 1991 after a serious knee injury at 29 years old.
In 1996, Tony opened his own dojo in New Jersey – Camal Judo. Since its inception, Camal Judo has produced dozens of Junior National Champions, over 10 Senior National medal winners, and continues to be a nationally recognized school that sends a competition team to almost every national event. Camal Judo has also produced over 30 black belts, many of which now run their own successful dojos. Tony was a USA Judo A Level Coach and conducted coaching seminars twice a year.
At 39 years old, Tony decided to compete again and won the Masters Nationals several times. Tony also took gold at the Nationals 2001 World Police & Fire Games. Tony then traveled to Spain for the 2003 World Police & Fire Games where he took Silver in his division.
In 2001, Tony became a member of the Hudson Yudanshakui Promotional Board and helped run Hudson Promotional events and Kata and Terminology exams for San Ranks.
Tony Camal was a career firefighter and was promoted to Captain in 2008. In 2012, he was severely injured in a fire requiring triple spinal fusion which forced his retirement from firefighting and Judo competition.
In 2014, Tony was recognized by the USA Olympic Committee as the USA Judo Amateur Coach of the Year.
Tony was the President of New Jersey Judo and operated the Northeastern Judo Championships, Summer Slam, and the New Jersey State Open Championships.
Tony passed away on July 29, 2024.
