Judo/Expert Profile

Expertise

I am a 4th degree black belt black in the arts of Judo and Jujitsu. I`ve been in this field since 1984, started at the age of 34. I have been competting since that time and instructing since 1986. I also instruct womens` self-defense classes. I have been a national and international champion several times. Armlocks are my favorite way to win in tournaments.

Experience in the area

I took the gold at the USJI Nationals in Indiana in 1986. Have taken gold in several AAU nationals. I also took the golds in three division in the internationals held in Canada. Womens 120lbs and under, the womens masters, and the womens open weight divison. I earned the first place spot to compete in Spain, and England in the sport of Sombo twice. Sombo is a sport very much like Judo. I have won gold in the State Championships each year that I have competed. I've won several different open state championships, including MO, Ks, IA, Neb, and Ok.

What do you like about this subject?

The main reason I chose Judo over other types of Martial Arts, is because I believe it has a higher degree of self-control. Kids, especially do not need to be taught how to hit and kick, they do enough of that as it is; instead they need to learn to control their actions. Judo teaches this control.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

At the age of 53, My main years of competition is over, expect ground fighting. I no longer do standing competion, due to an unstaple knee. I will contiune to instruct others in these arts. I hope to continue coaching more National Champions and maybe even a World Champion in the future.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

Many times people confuse Judo with other types of fighting arts. Judo was taken from the art of Jujitsu. As a sport, Judo does not use striking and, or kicking techniques. It uses throwing, pinnning, and submission techniques such as chocks and armbars. Judo is mostly used for sport, but is very effectives for self-defense. The art of Jujitsu includes striking, and kicking techniques.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

Judo may never carry the glamor that karate has but think about this, 90% of all fights end up on the ground in more of a wrestling type conflick. Judo teaches you how to fight and restrain your opponent from there. I think the best thing about it is it's not set in a ridget frame work everyone can make it work for their body size and type. If what you do works then it's not wrong.