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JUDO | ||||||||||||
WHAT IS JUDO? Judo consists of throwing, grappling, choking, and joint-locking techniques derived from Jujitsu. Founder Dr. Jigoro Kano developed Judo primarily as a safer, yet effective, form of self-defense that can be practiced with less chance of injuries. Some of the more dangerous aspects of Jujitsu, like kicking, punching, kneeing and elbowing have been left out and replaced by more efficient techniques in throwing, grappling, choking and joint-locking. People can practice Judo as a sport, a self-defense or a way of life. Judo is one of the very few martial arts that is allowed in Olympic competitions. BENEFITS OF JUDO Gain better balance and coordination of the body. THE SEIKA RYU JUDO CLUB The program is currently led by Coach Dennis McCarter , an excellent instructor and black belt competitor. Coach McCarter is joined teaching on the mat by Matt Blankenheim , his wife Laura McCarter and Joa Schwinn . Students are trained in the sport martial art of judo. In order to achieve judo rank a student must attend class regularly, participate in judo competition (not mandatory), and pass a judo written and skills test. Competitions are held about every 4-8 weeks in the San Francisco Bay area. Seika Ryu Judo is a United States Judo Association (USJA) Class "B" Club. Training and testing are done in accordance with current USJA standards and practices. In addition to regular classes, judo seminars, clinics, and community events are woven into the overall training path. Our training year is highlighted by attendance at Camp Bushido West. Some of the best judo and jujitsu instructors in the west gather in the mountains for this intensive training program. All level of student benefit greatly from this extraordinary experience. We take pride in our judo program, our instructors, their assistants, and of course, our students.
HISTORY OF THE CLUB Established in November 1999, the Seika Ryu Judo Club reflects Sensei Joa Schwinn's deep love of Judo. Although not a Dan-grade in Judo at the time, Sensei Schwinn made contact with well-respected and accomplished judoka and they developed the initial program. Originally known as Santa Rosa Martial Arts, the Seika Ryu Judo program has been built and grown through the experience and dedication of many seasoned and respected judoka, including Sensei Josh Baum, Sensei Robert Pennington, and Professor Terry Kelly, whom played key roles in the program formation. In February 2000 Sensei Schwinn was introduced to Professor Charlie Robinson. Professor Robinson is an 8th degree judo black belt and reknowned for his selfless commitment to the judo community. Anyone who has ever met Professor Robinson knows what a truly special person he is. In addition to running his own dojo, Twin Cities Judo since 1975, he has hosted Camp Bushido West for the last 25 years. In 1985 he became on of the first certified rank examiners in the United States Judo Association. Shortly thereafter he was named Chairperson of the Examiner Committee and remained so until his retirement in 2006. Shortly after their introduction, Sensei Schwinn became a student of Professor Robinsons. Seika Ryu Judo then adopted Professor Robinson as our benevolent judo guide and club Master. He serves as a guidestar and mentor to our judo black belts and our program to this day.
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