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 becoming Judo participants.

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.
· Willing to commit to practicing Judo twice per week.
· Willing to become a member of the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes and the U.S. Judo Association.

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. He has also worked with a student who is blind, coaching him to achieve the rank of first 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 ten athletes, adding one bi-monthly once the program is up-and-running. This program is offered to participants without cost. Deadline for application is Friday, February 17.

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 blind and visually impaired and refereeing blind and vi judo athletes.

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 2000 Paralympic Judo gold medalist and USABA Board President, Kevin Szott.

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, extension 2204 or cgeiger@clovernook.org or USABA National Judo Coach Walter Dean at 760-944-9486 email walterpdean@sbcglobal.net.

The United States Association of Blind Athletes, a member organization of the U.S. Olympic Committee, is a non-profit organization that provides training for blind and visually impaired athletes for competition in nine sports. USABA members range from blind children developing sports skills to elite athletes who train for competitions such as the Paralympic Games, which continually draws more than 4,000 disabled athletes.