JUDO CLASS TIMES
Every Saturday mornings
8:30 to 10:30 A.M.

The Clippard YMCA Judo Club is a grassroots program promoting the sport attributes of Judo. The program is geared for beginners and intermediate students starting from six years old through adults. Classes are customized to each student's needs, abilities and pace. You may start practicing with us anytime as each class includes boys, girls, men and women of all levels.

Did you know that Judo is the second most practiced sport worldwide right behind soccer!

It is practiced by millions of people around the world from Japan to Europe and the Americas. Judo translated from the Japanese language means "Gentle Way "that refers to a philosophy of constant learning and its application in life. Judo is many things to different people: a sport, an art, a discipline, a self-defense program, a fitness regimen and a social activity. It is a fun activity for all ages. For more information, email glenn.thiemann@gmail.com

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE SPORT OF JUDO
Judo is a grappling sport most similar in America to Wrestling - only with a uniform, a Judogi. In Judo we practice safely on a "tatami" mats with throws and hold downs. When of students reach the age of 13-17 we teach chokes and arm locks under strict supervision. Judo has no contact punches like Boxing or kicks like Karate. Students practice for a wide variety of reasons, to stay in shape, to develop self-confidence, to compete but for most…… the fun of it!

Dr. Jigoro Kano, its founder in 1882, originated Judo in Tokyo, Japan when he decided to transform the ancient art of ju-jitsu into a modern safe sport. He established two years later, in 1884, the first school "The Kodokan" www.kodokan.org also known as the International Judo Center. It is an eight story facility, open to visitors, with several training mats, dressing rooms, research and spectator seating for tournaments.

For students who wish to test their "Kata" or "Randori" abilities, Judo offers competition for at all skill levels from developmental to state to national and international tournaments. Judo has official rules that govern competition. It ensures safety for boys, girls, men and women based on weight and age divisions. Judo was introduced into the Olympics in 1964 for men and officially for women 1992.

JUDO PROMOTIONS AND RANK
Promotions at Clippard YMCA are awarded by the discretion of the Instructor "Sensei" that follows the guidelines of "USA Judo " www.usjudo.org and the state body "OHIO JUDO" www.ohiojudo.org. Judo has a colored belt rank system that is used similar to other martial arts such as Takwondo or Karate. Belt colors are established for juniors and seniors that recognize a person's degree of knowledge, ability, and leadership.

SELF-DEFENSE
Judo can be an effective form of self-defense when one is being attacked. Appling Judo techniques for self-defense requires plenty of practice. Students are taught to avoid confrontations but are quick to engage when threaten. These skills are extremely effective when correctly executed.

ABOUT SENSEI "GLENN"
At 8 years old in third grade, I was constantly getting in trouble …..both in and out of school. I wasn’t a troublemaker but I did hang out with the wrong crowds. My parents were getting frustrated that I was always coming home hurt. So my father introduced me to the “Cincinnati Judo Club” in Norwood. After a few months of training (three times a week), I participated in regional tournaments and soon started bringing home trophies and medals.

Today, I instill those “Life-Values” to my students that Judo has taught me; confidence, respect, patients, persistence and honor. I welcome all types of students that “want” to learn Judo. Currently I hold a 2nd degree “Nidan” rank and have proper instructing credentials. I am indebted to my Sensei, Mr. Frank Herzog at his   “Hamilton Judo Club”. He is an elite few that holds the rank of Rokudan, 6th degree red and white belt. Sensei Herzog is national and internationally recognized for his contribution to the sport of Judo not to mention the hundreds of Judokas he continues to train.

Good Judoka friends!