CARDINAL STRITCH UNIVERSITY(Milwaukee, Wisconsin)   

The Ninth (9th) Annual Junior/Senior Sports Education Judo Camp -- For Visually Impaired Athletes, was held in late June 2009 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: Bowling, Cross Country, Goalball, Ice Skating, Karate, Pilates, Power Lifting, Power Showdown, Scuba, Self-Defense, Swimming, Team Building, Track & Field, Weight Training, Wrestling, and Yoga.

The Judo portion of the camp was held on June 20, 2009 for the Juniors, and on June 23, 24, 25, and 26, 2009 for the Seniors. The Juniors had one 2 hour evening session. The Seniors had five sessions lasting 1½ 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, and Randy Baures, Yodan. A special guest instructor was Jim Mastro, Yodan and Silver Medalist in the ’92 Para Olympics in Barcelona, and Bronze Medalist in ’96 in Atlanta. Sensei Mastro’s expertise and Judo knowledge was excellent. Two of Sensei Mastro’s students from Bemidji State University, also helped out: Ben Swarts, Shodan, and Tee Harris, Yonkyu. Also assisting were Chris Leonard, Ikkyu, Michelle Worman, Ikkyu, and Aaron Fasting, Yonkyu, students of Staral. Another assistant was Scott Ford, Ikkyu, from Michigan. (Scott is a ninth year attendee of the annual camp, who started taking Judo nine years ago.) Also helping out was Mykala Ford, Yellow Belt, from Michigan. A Judo book that Staral authored in 1973, Judo Key Chains and Micro-Lites (Flash Lights to help guide and to light “The Way” - for the Judo Instructional Team throughout their lives), were given to the Instructional Staff - in appreciation of their excellent contribution to the success of this clinic.

Forty-seven (47) Athletes – Twenty-four (24) Juniors (Ages 7-12 -- 15 boys, and 9 girls), and Twenty-three (23) Seniors (Ages 13-18 -- 13 boys and 10 girls, all visually-impaired young athletes from around the country, participated in the camp.

As in past eight 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 eight-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, paying attention, and respect; they then practiced 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 a number of throws, Kubi Nage, Koshi Guruma, Ippon Seoi Nage, and O Soto Gari).  Kesa Gatame (and escapes) was also taught to the students, along with several turnovers, and Uchikomi.

Randori, standing and kneeling (face-to-face) and Shiai were explained to the athletes. 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.

In the Advanced Senior Classes, the judoka practiced Uchikomi, and Randori, along with practicing Counters (O Soto to O Soto and Ippon Seoi to Tani Otoshi). They also practiced Combination Techniques (Osoto to Ippon Seoi and vice versa, and Okuri Ashi Harai to Ippon Seoi). Several chokes and arm locks were also taught and practiced.

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.  Sumi Gaeshi, Okuri Ashi Harai and De Ashi Harai were also taught to the group.

Contest and Tournament Protocol/Rules/Regulations and terminology were reviewed for the final day’s Tournament. Fifteen (15) judoka participated in the competition. The Tournament was set up in a “round-robin” or “two out of three” format, with 2-minute matches. The judoka cheered for each other and clearly enjoyed the competition. Staral, Swarts, and Harris officiated the Shiai. Staral awarded JUDO Key Chains and gave a handout entitled “Ten Good Reasons To Practice Judo” - to the competitors – “All” of the participants – “Were Winners.”

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. The students were very appreciative of the instruction, and were encouraged to continue to practice “The Gentle Way” when they returned home.

In summary, this Ninth (9th) Annual Junior/Senior Sports Education Judo Camp (June 2009) 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