Baptist Health Chief Information Officer Competes in International Judo Competition
Roland Garcia Has Won 14 Medals Since March 2005

Jacksonville, Florida, August 11, 2008 -- When he isn't working as Baptist Health's Chief Information Officer Roland Garcia is spending his time training and competing in his favorite sport -- judo.

Garcia began training in judo at eight years old, but took a break in 1974 at age 17 after suffering a severe knee injury that sidelined him from training. It was also at this time when college and a career took center stage in his life.

Since his return to the sport in March 2005, Garcia has won 14 medals, including two third-place finishes at both the 2008 U.S. National Masters and 2007 U.S. Open Masters.

Outside of the office, Garcia finds time to fit in his rigorous training routine, which consists of exercising at the local YMCA five days a week and training in judo four days a week. "I love the sport, and it also helps keep me fit," he says.

The married father of two grown daughters competes in at least five tournaments a year, including some overseas competitions. "I compete for the challenge and to improve my skills," Garcia says.

Garcia was one of only 39 U.S. competitors to participate at the World Masters Judo Association this June in Brussels, Belgium, where 1,500 competitors came from all across the globe. "It was a unique experience to compete at such a large competition," he says. "The competition is very good in Europe."

His next competition this year will be the 2008 U.S. Open Judo Championships in September, which will be held in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Garcia practices with Senseis John Fiege and Hiram Cruz at Judo Ryu Jacksonville in Atlantic Beach.

Judo evolved from the ancient Japanese art of jujitsu expanding on its techniques of redirecting an opponent's force and has become known for its grappling and throwing techniques. According to USA Judo, it is the most widely practiced martial art on Earth and the second most-practiced sport worldwide behind soccer.