Isa Friedlander

Born and raised in San Jose, Costa Rica, Isa began practicing judo at age 14 and earned a spot on the Costa Rican junior national team. She received her black belt from Kenia Rodriguez, a Cuban Olympian and Pan-American champion. After graduating from Sarah Lawrence College with a degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, she earned three silver medals at Collegiate National Judo Championships, became a US National Champion, won a World Cup Bronze medal and a US Open Gold medal.