Attendees and Clinicians for the 2013 USA Judo Coaches Certification Clinic
Photos Courtesy of Sebastian John
Sensei Pat Burris
On an unexpectedly warm and clear day, the 2013 USA Judo Coach Education and Certification Clinic was held on Saturday, February 9th, at the Sport Judo/Yamasaki Academy in North Springfield, Virginia. 44 enthusiastic candidates from Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina successfully earned their coaching certificates from the USA Judo Coach Education and Certification Program.
The day’s program, led by 2-time U.S. Olympian Pat Burris, included an impressive group of expert clinicians who covered a variety of subjects related to coaching during the 8-hour educational session.
The Sport Judo/Yamasaki Academy was a spacious venue well-suited to the activities of the day. Maurice Allan, MBE, 1976 UK Olympian, 7th degree Black Belt, former world champion, and an international coach, co-sponsored the clinic with Shufu Yudanshakai. He is the head instructor of Sport Judo, which recently moved to the Academy, adding judo to Brazilian Jujitsu and Maui Thai offerings of the Academy.
Tad Nalls, 6th degree Black Belt, IJF continental referee, international coach, and head instructor of the Washington Judo Club, presented a historical perspective and a review of important legal aspects of judo for the attendees.
Marc Vink, Team Leader of the U.S. Paralympic Judo Team, gave an excellent presentation on the support and benefits available to visually impaired judokas, and discussed the coach certification and training available for those who wish to improve their skills for coaching and working with the visually impaired.
Angela Gordon, DSc, the physiotherapist for the Washington Nationals baseball team, presented a very informative discussion about injuries to the shoulders, knees, back and head, and how to recognize and respond to injuries such as concussions.
Sharon Landstreet, 3rd degree Black Belt and IJF Continental Referee, discussed the new IJF rule changes, answered general referee rule questions, and gave examples of specific violations, legal and illegal techniques, and clarified many of the questions regarding these latest major rule changes. Ms. Landstreet also discussed the CARE instant replay system, recently purchased by Shufu Yudanshakai.
Pat Burris, an 8th degree Black Belt, 2-time US Olympian, and 7-time men’s national judo champion, is Chairman of the USA Judo Coach Education and Certification Program. Sensei Burris traveled from his home state of Oklahoma as the principal guest clinician for the clinic, where he discussed many of the aspects of the leadership and management of a successful judo development program. Among his topics, he emphasized the significance of having students feel that they are important and really value representing their dojo at tournaments, earning promotions, and as members of the dojo. Specifically he emphasized making the promotion ceremonies very special so the child cherishes the moment. Pat described how he sets high standards of attendance, schoolwork, and attitude, and mentioned that there are a number of grants and foundations available for Judo schools. He emphasized that coaches need to lead by example and be professional.
After a very long day, Sensei Allen was very pleased with the turnout and the certification program. He also emphasized that the clinic owed so much to the planning of the day’s events by Michael Landstreet, head instructor of the Arlington Judo Club.
