Site Specializes In Judo & Martial Arts Stamps

Judo and Martial Arts stamp collectors will be impressed by the variety and volume of specialty stamps at http://www.usja-judo.org/~judo.stamps (or click our blog post title to reach this site). The Stamp of the Week pictured at left is only one of nearly 1,500 stamps and variations.

This fascinating site offers all things judo and martial arts, including first day covers, new issues, cancellations, articles, and unusual items such as a stamp of a taekwondo coin. Coins and other items are also described. The site offers an impressive and comprehensive stamp list, the world’s largest.

"Without a single recorded injury, judo stamp collecting has to be the safest judo-related activity of all, safer even than kata judging and refereeing," boasts the site (tongue firmly in cheek) which offers interesting bits of trivia and history on various U.S. and international issues. The first judo stamp was issued in 1953 by Japan and depicted kata-guruma. Since then, and particularly with inclusion of judo as an Olympic sport, numerous countries have issued stamps honoring the sport. Good information on what to look for, techniques, misprints, rarities, collecting, contacts, and articles abound on this enjoyable and highly readable site.

The County Stamp Center can get you started and provide you with new issues. Just click http://www.stampcenter.com/ to link to our website and search for "martial arts" or "judo." We have a number of offerings, all reasonably priced, and many issued in celebration of various Olympics or national games. Once we've whet your appetite, visit http://www.usja-judo.org/~judo.stamps for a diverse selection of judo and martial arts philately.

Dr. Ronald Allan Charles, who designed and maintains the Judo and Martial Arts Stamp List, has been a satisfied County Stamp Center customer for over 15 years and heartily endorses our service. He obtained most of the stamps in his collection from us. We are his sole supplier of new issues. He received most online stamps as images from his judo colleague in Belgium. The Stamp List is a wonderful resource. Including nearly 2,000 images and covering about 130 pages of descriptive material (not including the images and articles), this non-commercial site is the result of three decades of research. Check it out.