CARDINAL STRITCH UNIVERSITY(Milwaukee, Wisconsin)   

The Tenth (10th) Annual Junior/Senior Sports Education Judo Camp -- For Visually Impaired Athletes, was held in late June 2010 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: Aquathon, Cross Country, Goalball, Pilates, Power Lifting, Power Showdown, Self-Defense, Swimming/Water Aerobics, Team Building, Track & Field, Weight Training, Wrestling, and Yoga.

The Judo portion of the camp was held on June 19, 2010 for the Juniors, on June 20^th for the 5-8 Year Olds, and on June 22, 23, 24, and 25, 2010 for the Seniors. The 5-8 Year Olds had a 1 hour session. The Juniors had one 2 hour evening session, and 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, Godan, along with Randy Baures, Jim Peterson, and Gregg Roloff, all Rokudans. A special guest instructor was Jim Mastro, Yodan and Gold Medalist (Wrestling) in the ‘76, ’80 and ’84 Para Olympics, Silver Medalist (Judo) in the ’92 Para Olympics in Barcelona, and Bronze Medalist (Judo) in ’96 in Atlanta. Sensei Mastro’s Judo knowledge and teaching expertise was excellent. Two of Sensei Mastro’s students from Bemidji State University, also helped out: Ben Swarts, Shodan, and Tee Harris, Yonkyu. Also assisting was Dave Malek, Yodan. Rounding out the Instructional Team were Chris Leonard, Ikkyu, and Aaron Fasting, Sankyu, students of Staral. 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-eight (48) Athletes – Ten (10) – 5-8 Year Olds (6 boys and 4 girls), Eighteen (18) Juniors (Ages 9-12 -- 9 boys, and 9 girls), and Twenty (20) Seniors (Ages 13-18 -- 13 boys and 7 girls, all visually-impaired young athletes from around the mid-west, participated in the camp.

As in past nine 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 nine-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.

Randori, standing and kneeling, 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. Several chokes 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 number of 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. Sixteen (16) 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 Tenth (10th) Annual Junior/Senior Sports Education Judo Camp (June 2010) 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