JUDO (Competitive)

	DR. JIGURO KANO Founder of Judo	Coach Dennis McCarter Lead Judo Instructor	PROFESSOR CHARLIE ROBINSON Senior Judo Advisor

THE SEIKA RYU JUDO CLUB

In September 1999 Sensei Joa Schwinn contacted Professor Terry Kelly, judo sensei at the Santa Rosa Junior College, and asked if he knew anyone who would be willing to come over and run a judo program at what was then known as Santa Rosa Martial Arts. Sensei Robert Pennington arrived, and assisted by Sensei Josh Baum, the judo program was established in November 1999.

In February 2000, at a judo seminar run by Professor Kelly at our school, we were introduced to Professor Charlie Robinson. Anyone who has ever met Professor Robinson knows what a special person he is. With Professor Kelly's blessing the school adopted Professor Robinson as our benevolent judo guide.

The program is now led by Coach Dennis McCarter and Assistants Matt Blankenheim and Laura McCarter, all excellent instructors and top level black belt competitors. The judo program enjoys the assistance and guidance of numerous high level black belts and certified instructors and coaches. We share a close connection with many other judo programs and schools.

Originally designed as an extension of the self-defense curriculum, it was later decided to make judo a competitive based program. Students are still trained in the traditional martial art of kodokan judo. In order to achieve judo rank (not mandatory) a student must attend class regularly, participate in judo competition, and pass a judo skills test. Competitions are held about every 4-8 weeks in the San Francisco Bay area.

Special judo seminars with high ranking instructors or muultile judo school clinics are woven into the overall training path. A spectacular judo / jujitsu summer camp, www.campbushido.com, highlights our judo year. We take pride in our judo program, it’s instructors, assistants, and of course, the students. Dr. Kano would be proud!