Erin Levi
The energy is infectious at Spartak Sports Club in Rego Park, Queens. Young judokas dart across the mats, their gi uniforms crisp white against the backdrop of tournament photos and certificates lining the walls. At the center of it all stands Arkadiy Aronov, an 8th-degree black belt whose weathered hands have guided champions for nearly half a century.
«Do ten squats!» Aronov calls out to a young student, Leo, his accent carrying the musical cadence of his Uzbekistani roots. The 15-year-old proceeds to do squats for me over WhatsApp video.
«Show her your biceps!»12-year-old Leah Yusupov beams with pride, bursting with the kind of energy that only comes from feeling truly seen and encouraged by someone who believes in her potential.
This is more than a dojo (Japanese term for martial arts training hall) – it’s a testament to one man’s unwavering dedication to the «gentle way,» which is the literal translation of judo. For Aronov, who began his martial arts journey in Tashkent, Uzbekistan in 1971, judo represents far more than throws and submissions. It’s a philosophy of life, discipline, and respect that he’s been passing down to young athletes for over three decades.
From Soviet Champion to American Dream
Aronov’s story begins in the former Soviet Union, where judo flourished alongside kurosh, Uzbekistan’s traditional national wrestling sport. The similarities between judo and kurosh — both emphasizing throws, grappling, and ground techniques — created a natural pipeline for Uzbek athletes to excel in international judo competition. “Uzbekistan was top three in the world,” he explains with evident pride, rattling off the global hierarchy: «Japan, France, Uzbekistan, and Russia – that’s the top four.»
[Today, Uzbekistan ranks 27th in terms of medals won at the Summer Olympics since it became an independent nation in 1991. Japan, France, and South Korea are top three, respectively.]
It was in this competitive environment within the Soviet Union, where Central Asian republics like Uzbekistan produced many of the USSR’s top judokas, that young Arkadiy first stepped onto the mats, beginning a journey that would eventually lead him to the highest levels of international competition.
After retiring from active competition in 1990, Aronov transitioned into coaching, working with Uzbekistan’s junior national team while continuing to train himself. «I still fight,» he says with a grin, demonstrating that even at his age, the warrior spirit remains undiminished.
The turning point came in 1996 when Aronov made the life-changing decision to immigrate to the United States. Together with his best friend Arthur Kalantarov, who passed away ten years ago, he opened Spartak Sports Club. What started as a dream shared between two immigrants has grown into one of the most successful judo programs in America.
Building Champions, One Student at a Time
The numbers speak for themselves: four Olympians, fourteen world championship competitors, and multiple Pan American champions have emerged from Aronov’s program. His coaching philosophy extends far beyond technical instruction. «I teach my kids to be gentle. To respect their parents. Respect themselves and respect God,» he explains. «For me, the first level is God. After that, parents, everyone who is here, and outside school and education.»
This holistic approach has yielded remarkable results. In 1996, one of his athletes earned a silver medal at the Olympic Games. He’s coached Olympians in Atlanta, Beijing, and London, establishing himself as one of only four coaches working with the U.S. Olympic judo team.
The success continued through the decades. From 2003 to 2010, two more of his students reached Olympic competition, a testament to the consistency and quality of his coaching methods. Most recently, Aronov served as an assistant coach at the Paris Olympics, continuing his four-decade involvement with elite international competition.
The Heart of the Community
What sets Spartak Sports Club apart isn’t just its competitive success – it’s Aronov’s commitment to serving his community. An estimated 95% of his students are Bukharian Jews, reflecting the close-knit Central Asian community in Queens. But Aronov’s door is open to everyone, regardless of background or financial means.
«Twenty-five percent of my club is for free,» he states matter-of-factly. «The kids are very poor. And the kids are very good – 13, 14, 15, 16 years old. Dangerous age. A lot of people in the streets want to drag them into drugs. My kids don’t do this.»
This mission-driven approach has attracted a network of dedicated sponsors who believe in Aronov’s work. Jacob Arobo, a world-famous jeweler, provided $3,000-4,000 monthly support for nearly a decade. Dr. Igor Cohen, Dr. Stella Ilyaeva (an endocrinologist), businessman Vladimir Katanov, and lawyer Michael Ilyaich all contribute to keeping the program accessible to underprivileged youth.
«Without sponsors, we’re nothing,» Aronov acknowledges. «We can’t afford to go to Riga, to Latvia. It’s a minimum of $3,000 per person.»
More Than Sport:
A Philosophy of Inclusion
Perhaps most remarkably, Spartak Sports Club serves students with special needs. Aronov works with autistic children in small groups of four, with two coaches providing individualized attention. He also trains students with Down syndrome and physical disabilities.
During our conversation, he proudly introduced Leo, a 15-year-old who couldn’t walk properly when he first arrived at age four. Now Leo demonstrates squats and basic movements with confidence – a transformation that brings tears to Aronov’s eyes. «Ten years, step by step, step by step, and God bless for work,» he reflects.
This inclusive approach extends throughout the program. The dojo accommodates children as young as five and adults well into their fifties. Each student receives medical clearance before training, and the facility maintains comprehensive insurance coverage. Three coaches work simultaneously on the mats – one with beginners, two with advanced students – ensuring individual attention for every participant.
Recent Triumphs and Future Goals
This past May, Aronov coached four students at the European Cup in Riga, Latvia. Three earned fifth-place finishes in a field of 45-50 competitors: Joseph Suleymanov, Adam Fayziev, and Jacob Borukhov. But the standout performance came from nine-year-old Samuel Davydov, who captured first place and the championship title.
«He took first. He was the champion in the World Cup,» Aronov beams, introducing the young champion who demonstrates his strength with the unselfconscious pride of childhood.
The club competes in 15-16 tournaments annually, a demanding schedule that requires significant financial commitment and logistical coordination. Yet Aronov approaches each competition with the same dedication he’s maintained since 1971.
The Gentle Way Forward
At Spartak Sports Club, black belts aren’t awarded lightly. «Twelve years minimum,» Aronov states firmly. Over his 28-year tenure in Queens, he’s promoted 35 students to black belt – each representing years of disciplined training and character development.
The daily rhythm of the dojo reflects this long-term perspective. Summer programs run four hours daily – two hours of practice, one hour of rest, then two more hours of training. During the school year, classes run Monday through Sunday, with Friday and Saturday sessions extending from 5 PM to 10 PM.
«I’m not a businessman,» Aronov insists. «I’m a teacher and coach. We work with the family. We work with the neighbors. We work with the community.»
As young voices echo across the mats and small bodies execute perfect forward rolls, it’s clear that Arkadiy Aronov has created something special in Queens. More than a sports club, Spartak represents the gentle way to win – not just on the competition mat, but in life itself. Through discipline, respect, and unwavering commitment to his students, this Uzbek immigrant has built a legacy that extends far beyond any medal count.
In a world where youth sports often prioritize quick results over character development, Aronov’s patient approach offers a different path. «Be smart and strong,» he tells his students. It’s a philosophy that has produced Olympians, transformed lives, and built a community – one student, one technique, one life lesson at a time.
Photos from Arkadiy Aronov