The Seventh (7th) Annual Junior/Senior Sports Education Judo Camp -- For Visually Impaired Athletes, was held in late June 2007 at Cardinal Stritch University, a Franciscan School in the northeastern area of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Many of the events were held at Nicolet High School, near Cardinal Stritch University. The Camp was sponsored in part by the Wisconsin Association of Blind Athletes and Cardinal Stritch University. Events other than Judo were: Body Mechanics, Cross Country, Goalball, Gymnastics, Karate, Power Lifting, Scuba, Swimming, Team Building, Track, Weight Training, Wrestling, and Yoga.

The Judo portion of the camp was held on June 23, 2007 for the Juniors, and on June 26, 27, 28, and 29, 2007 for the Seniors. In addition, there was another session for the 5 to 8 year old group on June 30^th. The Juniors had one 1½ hour evening session. The Seniors had three evening sessions lasting from 1½ to 2 hours each. The Judo Camp culminated with the Senior Judo Tournament (21 competitors) 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, Gregg Roloff, Godan, and David Malek, Sandan. Also assisting was Chris Leonard, Sankyu, a student of Staral. Another assistant was Scott Ford, Ikkyu, from Michigan. (Scott is a seventh year attendee of the annual camp, who started taking Judo several years ago.) Judo Key Chains were given to the instructional staff in appreciation of their excellent contribution to the success of this clinic.

Sixty-two (62) athletes -- nineteen (19) Juniors (ages 7-12), thirty-three (33) Seniors (ages 13-18), and ten (10) 5 to 8 year olds, all visually impaired young men and women from around the country, participated in the camp.

As in past six years' camps, the athletes learned a lot about Judo in a very short time. Many of them were beginners. However, a number of the same people from the past six-year’s events again participated this year. They practiced in Judo Gis purchased by camp administrators

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, Kubi Nage, Ippon Seoi Nage, and O Soto Gari).  Kesa Gatame (and escapes) was 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, the judoka practiced a lot of Uchikomi, throws, and Randori, along with practicing a counter (O Soto to O Soto).

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 a one-knee Ippon Seoi. A few advanced competition grips were also introduced and taught 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. Twenty-one (21) judoka participated in the competition. The Tournament was set up in a “round-robin” or “two out of three” format, with 1 1/2-minute matches. The judoka cheered for each other and clearly enjoyed the competition.

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 handout entitled “Ten Good Reasons To Practice Judo,” to camp attendees. The students were very appreciative of the instruction, and encouragement to continue to practice “The Gentle Way.”

In summary, this Seventh (7th) Annual Junior/Senior Sports Education Judo Camp (Summer 2007) 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.

Submitted by Dennis E. Staral