The Judo portion of the camp was held on June 24, 2006 for the Juniors, and on June 27, 28, 29, and 30, 2006 for the Seniors. The Juniors had one 1½ hour evening session. The Seniors had three evening sessions lasting from 2½ to 3 hours each. The Judo Camp culminated with the Senior Judo Tournament on the last night.

 Dennis Staral, Godan and Instructor of the Accredited Judo Program at Cardinal Stritch University, directed and coordinated the Judo Camp. The Instructional Team consisted of: Staral, Jim Peterson, Rokudan, Gregg Roloff, Godan, and Randy Baures, Godan. Also assisting were Paul Trzebiatowski, Sankyu, Chris Leonard, Yonkyu, and Shannon Clark, Yonkyu, students of Staral. Another assistant was Scott Ford, Sankyu, from Michigan. (Scott is a sixth year attendee of the annual camp, who started taking Judo several years ago.) Stritch Judo T-Shirts were given to the instructional staff in appreciation of their excellent contribution to the success of this clinic. [Walter Dean (California), Kudan, and USABA Head Judo Coach, was scheduled to be the Head Coach and Instructor for the Judo Camp, but was coaching the United States Judo Team at the 2006 International Blind Sports Association (IBSA) World Judo Championships, held in Brommant, France.]

Forty-eight (48) athletes - eighteen (18) Juniors (ages 7-12) and thirty (30) Seniors (ages 13-18), all visually impaired young men and women from around the country, participated in the camp.

Initially, the participants were taught the formalities of bowing, discipline, and respect, and then they performed a number of exercises to warm up and loosen up their bodies.

Very quickly, they learned how to fall, along with practicing off balancing, and the three parts of a throw. They learned how to grip and performed several throws (Koshi Guruma, Kubi Nage, Ippon Seoi Nage, and O Soto Gari).  Kesa Gatame and Kata Gatame (and escapes) were also taught to the students, along with turnovers and movement on the mat.

 Randori, standing and kneeling (face-to-face) and Shiai were explained to the athletes. Many of the participants practiced "Randori." Most athletes were very interested and were encouraged by the instructional staff to pursue judo practice when they returned to their homes. Several participants have excellent potential to become Para Olympic athletes.

In the Advanced, Senior Classes, several combination techniques (O Soto Gari to Ippon Seoi Nage and vice versa) and counters (O Soto to O Soto, along with Ippon Seoi Nage to Tani Otoshi) were taught. The advanced students also worked on an advanced version of De Ashi Harai.

The techniques could very easily be applied to self-defense situations. In fact, they practiced a choke from the front and countered with O Soto. Another self-defense technique they tried was a choke from behind, which they countered with Ippon Seoi. A few advanced competition grips were also introduced to the class. Chokes and Arm Bars were also discussed with the Seniors.

Contest and Tournament Protocol/Rules/Regulations and terminology were reviewed for the final day’s Tournament. Thirteen (13) judoka participated in the competition. The Tournament was set up in a “round-robin” or “two out of three” format, with three-minute matches.  The judoka enjoyed the tournament and received Judo Key Chains for their participation.

The athletes demonstrated their expertise with the learned judo techniques - for coaches, parents, volunteers, other relatives, and friends. The experiences and friendships gained in this tournament and camp will be carried forward in the students’ lives both on and off the mat. The students (and audience members) were amazed at the quantity (and some very noticeable “quality”) of techniques learned in a very short time.

The student athletes were enthused and motivated to learn this mystical art and sport of Judo, and were very receptive to learning. Staral gave a booklet, describing the judo camp agenda/schedule, which included a handout entitled “Ten Good Reasons To Practice Judo,” to camp attendees. The students were very appreciative of the Judo Key Chains and Judo Booklet, and encouragement to continue to practice “The Gentle Way.”

In summary, this Sixth (6th) Annual Junior/Senior Sports Education Judo Camp (Summer 2006) For Visually-Impaired Athletes - was a great success, for both the athletes and instructors. The instructors were especially able to benefit from this exchange of the teaching/learning concept. It was a challenge and a privilege to instruct at this camp. ”Mutual Welfare and Benefit” was indeed alive and well.