PRO EVENTS, PLAYERS & CLINICS
The PJF Pickleball Championships 2024 is not just a tournament but a celebration to spread the joy of pickleball. From inspection, it was important for us to bring top talent to Japan and Asia. We are please to welcome world-class pros like James Ignatowich to take part in our celebration!
Our Special Pro Events
TOP PRO EXHIBITION MATCH
Experience championship-level competition in Tokyo for the first time ever outside of the US.
PRO-AM SHOWDOWN
Our open bracket winners (Men's Doubles, Women's Doubles, Mixed Doubles) get a chance to compete against the best.
PRO CLINICS
Get hands-on training from top pros.
PRO 1-SHOT CHALLENGE
Look forward to interacting with top pro players through our challenge events!
*Events subject to change
Join Our Clinic Taught by the Best Pros in the World
Details:
Join our clinic with Top 5 Players in the World, James Ignatowich along with 3 PPA pros!
2 hour class with maximum of 24 players per session
Maximum 1:6 Coach to Player ratio
Clinic Fees:
$150 + tax / person
Available Sessions + Sign-ups:
SESSION 11-A
Date: Wednesday, December 11th
Time: 10:00AM - 12:00PM
Level: Advanced
SIGN UP
SESSION 16-A
Date: Monday, December 16th
Time: 10:00AM - 12:00PM
Level: All-Levels
*For All-Level sessions, participants will be assigned to courts based on their level.
SIGN UP
SESSION 16-B
Date: Monday, December 16th
Time: 1:00PM - 3:00PM
Level: All-Levels
*For All-Level sessions, participants will be assigned to courts based on their level.
SIGN UP
*個別およびセミプライベートのアレンジも受け付けています。
お問い合わせは contant@pickleball-japan.org までご連絡ください。
MEET THE PROS
James Ignatowich
James Ignatowich, affectionately known as "Big Poppa Jimmy," is a standout professional pickleball player from Delray Beach, Florida. James was a top-ranked high school tennis player in the U.S. and played collegiate tennis at Vanderbilt University. His transition to pickleball began in October 2021, and he has quickly risen to become one of the top players in the sport.
Career Highlights:
Top Rankings: James is currently ranked among the top 10 in men's singles and doubles and a top 5 ranked player in the world.
Major Titles: He has won multiple PPA gold medals, including victories at the Vulcan Indoor National Championship and PPA Red Rock Open.
Media Presence: Known for his acrobatic shots and quick reflexes, James has been featured on ESPN’s Top 10 highlights (Shown below)
Off the Court: James is an active ambassador for the sport, sharing his journey and insights through his Instagram and newsletter.
James Ignatowich has recently signed with Naomi Osaka’s management agency, reflecting their growing influence and prominence in the sport of pickleball.
Join us at the PJF Pickleball Championships to see James in action and experience the excitement they bring to the court!
Ryan Fu
ライアン・フー
Ryan Fu is a former University of Michigan tennis player. He was ranked number 1 in New England in the 12-18s divisions. Ryan has been coaching tennis and pickleball for the last 10 years and has now transitioned into playing professional pickleball.
He is a PPA signed pro and an up and coming player ranked in the PPA's top 50. Ryan also has multiple main draw wins on the PPA Tour, and is playing in the main draw of all (3) Events. Ryan also has a passion for coaching, and over the past year has been running clinics across the country with James Ignatowich and Max Freeman.
Max Freeman
マックス・フリーマン
Originally from Boston, Max played Division 1 tennis at Vanderbilt University. Max returned home in May 2022 to pursue a career in business consulting while taking up pickleball as a hobby.
His passion for the sport grew immediately, as he now plays and coaches full time with the Ignatowich team in Delray Beach. He takes pride in his knowledge of the lefty game and his right side expertise.Originally from Boston, Max played Division 1 tennis at Vanderbilt University. Max returned home in May 2022 to pursue a career in business consulting while taking up pickleball as a hobby.
His passion for the sport grew immediately, as he now plays and coaches full time with the Ignatowich team in Delray Beach. He takes pride in his knowledge of the lefty game and his right side expertise.
Ava Ignatowich
エヴァ・イグナトウィッチ
Originally from Darien, Connecticut, Ava played Division 1 tennis after formerly being ranked number 1 in Connecticut. Ava is currently a full-time college student at the University of Miami where she is studying Economics.
In 2022, she discovered pickleball after being introduced to the sport by her older brother James Ignatowich who is also a professional player. When not on the court, Ava enjoys spending her time playing piano, volunteering at animal shelters, and surfing.