Connie Halporn

I began Judo in my first year of junior high school in 1966 at St. Ann’s School in Brooklyn, NY with Sensei Glenn Avolio. I continued in Judo while at Kirkland College in Clinton, New York with Senseis James Nessia and then Eugene and Nelda Romeo. I ran the Judo club at Kirkland College and later Hamilton College until my return to New York City in 1980. Upon my return to New York City, I joined the Columbia University Judo club and Judo Kai of Englewood, with Sensei George Hamlin. I was one of the senior instructors at the club, as well as the coach of the club team. I am now an Assistant Judo coach at New York University, working with the Head instructor, my husband Frank Colonnese.
In addition, we teach Judo at the Brooklyn Martial Arts club on Livingston street in Brooklyn, NY.

I currently hold the rank of Rokudan (sixth degree black belt), registered with the United States Judo Association and a current member of USA Judo (the National Governing body for Judo in the US).

I discovered NWMAF when I was in High school, but didn’t join until after college. NWMAF was the first place that I discovered so many martial arts women, in all styles, all training, teaching and supporting each other. There is no other group that has given me the emotional support as a female martial artist.
Teaching and participating in Special Training gives me more joy than I can express.