Member News

February 23, 2006

Cincinnati Judo Program Seeks Blind Participants

Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Bushido, Inc. and the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes are seeking individuals interested in learning judo.   

The three organizations have established a partnership to recruit, train and support athletes who are blind or visually impaired to participate in an on-going judo program. The training will begin with a clinic on Saturday, March 11.

"We are fully aware of the benefits awarded the Judo athletes who train, compete, and advance in this martial art. We are also very supportive of providing opportunities for persons with disabilities to have additional outlets for physical, mental and spiritual growth," said Chuck Geiger, Clovernook Job Placement Specialist.

The criteria for participation in the Judo program include:

• An individual who is blind or visually impaired, defined as having best corrected vision of 20/70 best or worse.
• Willing to commit to practicing judo twice per week.
• Willing to become a member of the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes

Practices will be conducted at Bushido, Inc. in Avondale under the direction of Mr. Eugene Fields. Mr. Fields is currently a 6th degree black belt in judo and he also competed in the 1964 Olympic Judo Trials in New York City. Mr. Fields also has experience working with blind and visually impaired athletes, having previously coached one of his students to a 1st degree black belt in judo.

"We welcome all judo practitioners with various ability levels to participate and progress at the individual's pace while receiving instruction in a positive and respectful environment," Mr. Fields commented.

Cincinnati is one of five U. S. Association of Blind Athletes locations for the judo development program. The initial program will incorporate 10 athletes, adding one bi-monthly once the program is up-and-running.

This program is offered to participants without cost. Deadline for application is March 3.

A Coaching Certification will be available for those wishing to be certified.  Judo coaches will become familiar with the techniques for teaching and coaching blind and visually impaired athletes as they receive an overview on preparing the dojo, lesson planning, teaching/coaching tips, teaching at blind schools, setting up a program for athletes who are blind and visually impaired and refereeing blind and visually impaired judo athletes.

The clinic will be led by Walter Dean, USABA's head judo coach, a 9th degree black belt who has more than 50 years of judo experience.

"Dean's knowledge of the judo as well as his experience working with blind and visually impaired athletes and judo coaches is valuable to providing opportunities for blind and visually impaired judo athletes throughout the United States," said Kevin Szott, 2000 Paralympic judo gold medalist and USABA Board President.

For more information, or to register for the athlete or coaches clinic, please contact Chuck Geiger at Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 513.522.3860, ext. 2204 or cgeiger@clovernook.org or USABA National Judo Coach Walter Dean at 760.944.9486 or walterpdean@sbcglobal.net.