Judo: A Family Affair with Adam Moyerman

(Lou and Adam Moyerman)

Judo and Judaism go hand-in-hand for Adam Moyerman, and by extension the entire Moyerman clan. Before Adam competed with Maccabi USA for the first time at the 2001 World Maccabiah Games, he was already a part of the organization, due in part to his father Lou’s involvement, which began in 1981. In advance of the 1997 World Maccabiah Games, Adam interned in the Maccabi USA offices, packing up the apparel packages. Now, 20 years later, Adam has competed in and coached at six international Maccabi Games, winning six medals and one MVP award.

(The Judo team from the 2001 Maccabiah Games. Adam in the middle-front)

Growing up, participating in Judo was “basically a mandate,” as Adam put it, in the Moyerman household, as Lou has been heavily involved in the sport for over 40 years. “I’ve been doing it since I was seven. It’s the longest relationship of my life, minus my family of course,” joked Adam. After wrestling throughout high school, Adam rediscovered Judo in college within a less regimented and stressful environment; he immediately fell back in love with the sport. Upon graduating from Boston University, he began training to qualify for the Olympics. Although he finished third in qualifying and therefore didn’t make the Olympic team, he says he’s received fantastic international sporting experience through Maccabi USA. “You won’t always go to the Olympics, but these Games give you that experience – where you can appreciate your hard work, and on top of that, everyone is Jewish and you get to make those connections,” he explained.

(Team USA Judo from the 2015 Pan American Maccabi Games)

Adam was chosen alongside Lauren Greenberg, Open Swimming, and Dallen Stanford, Open Rugby, to lead the Team USA delegation and carry the USA flag into the Opening Ceremony of the 2015 Pan American Maccabi Games. “Carrying the flag in was the best moment,” recalled Adam. “So few people get to do that at a sporting event or any event in general; I never thought I would have that extreme honor.”

(USA Flagbearers- Lauren Greenberg, Dallen Stanford, Adam Moyerman)

It’s safe to say that Maccabi USA holds a special place in Adam’s heart; his siblings Sam, Stephanie and Tina have all competed with Maccabi USA as well. “Not everyone has the opportunity to form these bonds with Judaism,” he said. “The Maccabi Games reinvigorates people within their Judaism, and I can’t think of any other organization that combines sports, something we ALL love, with Judaism, like Maccabi USA.” When asked if he planned on continuing his involvement and support of the organization in the future, Adam merely laughed. “Of course!”