Member News

January 3, 2006

U.S. Association of Blind Athletes Judo Coaches Certification and Athlete Clinic in Vancouver, Washington

The Washington State School for the Blind is forming a partnership with U.S. Association of Blind Athletes and U.S Paralympics to provide a developmental judo program in the Northwest for athletes who are blind and visually impaired. The program is designed to provide an ongoing opportunity for 8-12 beginning and upper level athletes to learn judo skills and to compete in the sport.

The program welcomes local judo coach, Julie Koyama, a 3rd degree black belt, a Pan American referee, and a “D” level coach.  Koyama has been actively teaching for 15 years and is a member of USA Judo’s Collegiate Committee.   the USJF.  Koyama teaches in the Physical Education Department at Reed College as well as at the Peninsula Community Center in Portland, Ore.  She also has spent several years volunteering her time teaching basic judo skills to the students at the Washington State School for the Blind.

To kick off this new program Julie Koyama, the Washington State School for the Blind and USABA are co-sponsoring a judo coaches and athlete clinic, 6 – 9 p.m., Jan. 9, 2006.  This event will take place at the Washington State School for the Blind.

Coaches Clinic 

Judo coaches will become familiar with the techniques for teaching and coaching blind and visually impaired athletes as they work with athletes who are blind and visually impaired and will receive an overview on preparing the dojo, lesson planning, teaching/coaching tips, teaching at blind schools, setting up a program for athletes blind and visually impaired and refereeing this population.

The clinic will be led by Walter Dean, USABA’s head judo coach, a ninth 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.

A Coaching Certification from USABA will be available for those wishing to be certified. All coaches will work with students that are blind and visually impaired.  To register or for more information contact Jennifer Butcher: Jennifer.Butcher@wssb.wa.gov 360.696.6321, ext. 151 or Walter Dean at Walt@WDean.net 760.944.9486.

Athlete Clinic

A Judo Clinic for blind and visually impaired athletes will be held from 7:30-9:00 p.m. January 9, 2006 at the Washington State School for the Blind.  Participation in this clinic will give coaches a hands on experience working with this population and will teach the athletes basic judo techniques and ways to adapt the sport for competition.  To register or for more information, contact Jennifer Butcher at Jennifer.butcher@wssb.wa.gov or 360.696.6321, ext. 151.

Volunteer Clinic

Individuals who wish to volunteer in the sport of Judo and work with the athletes and coaches are welcome to attend the entire clinic.  To register or for more information contact Jennifer Butcher at Jennifer.butcher@wssb.wa.gov 360.696.6321, ext. 151.