Judo Test Results

Well, the Winter/Spring, 2009 Merrick P.A.L. Judo session is finished and on Wednesday, June 17, 2009, we had a Judo promotional test for the students. Students were asked questions on dojo (Judo school) rules & etiquette, Japanese terminology, and were asked to perform various Judo techniques. Everyone did a very nice job, and we'd like to thank all the parents for all their time and effort in helping prepare their kids for the test, and congratulate all the kids who tested and advanced in rank.

Promoted to white belt with one (1) yellow stripe:

Jarred Tasch, Luke Kaminsky, Zachary Kaminsky, Sam Leone, Kyle Ednie, John Eisert, Sam Moskowitz, Odin Francis, Max Bazil, Brandon Fiala, Jackie Barba, Arthur Grim, Brandon O'Neill.

Promoted to white with two (2) yellow stripes:

Samuel Abrams, Toby Harrington, Eddie Shunk

Promoted to yellow belt:

Matthew Rosin & Alex Cruz

Promoted to yellow belt with one (1) stripe:

Jeffrey LeBeaux

Promoted to orange belt:

Dominick DiBari & John Gandolfo (tested & promoted on prior date)

Promoted to green belt:

Aaron Solomon (tested & promoted on prior date)

And in case anyone was interested in the adults... Some of the sempai (assistant instructors) tested for advancement also:

Promoted to yellow belt:

Leo Bazil

Promoted to green belt:

Sempai Brian Solomon & Sempai Jonathan Abrams

Congratulations to all who were promoted, and we hope to see you all next seesion and please remember, all of the parents are welcome to train alongside their kids.

Once again, thanks to all the parents for their contribution to the club & thanks to Sensei Rick Calabrese for his dedication & instruction, Sensei Cliff Wolff for his continued guidance, and to Sensei Ken Mandel for his support and making the time to come down.

Keep in touch,

-Jon Abrams

Sam's First Judo Tournament

During last class, we were joined by the Baldwin PAL Judo club. We were able to practice randori (free style practice) with different kids and we were informed of a shiai (tournament) on Sunday, May 31, 2009 in Long Beach.

Well, on the day of the tournament, Sam and I were the only ones from our club to attend this small & friendly shiai with the exception of Sensei Cliff Wolff. This was unfortunate. Sam had two matches against a well-experienced orange belt, and at the end of the day, Sam took home a second place trophy. More important than the trophy, was the experience that Sam gained by attending a shiai. Good sportsmanship & competitiveness.

And remember two things:

Tournament experience is necessary for rank advancement and, it's not whether you win of lose, but how you play the game.

Great job, Sam.

Ski Trip Anyone?

As announced at the last class by Sempai Dave Freese, if anyone is interested in a Judo club ski trip.

The below website has the rental form information at the bottom. Please download fill it in for all people getting rentals, and bring to Judo on Wednesday. If you have a scanned and want to email to me
http://www.catamountski.com/group-info/groups.cfm
Trip info:
1) Date Sat. March 7
2) $24 for lift ticket
3) $24 for ski / snowboard rental.... which comes with a 1 hour lesson. The lesson starts at 9:30, you should be at the ski school area at least 10 minutes in advance.
- Would only suggest snowboarding for people who have done it before... it takes at least 3 days to learn to snowboard
- You can also rent helmets.... I believe it is $5.
4) The place opens around 8 in morning we will leave from the Brookside parking lot at 6:00 am
5) Dress Warmly:
- if you have "snow pants / bib
- ski jacket.
- If you have ski socks please use those. Sweatsocks are not recommended, they hold moisture not heat.
- Other suggested clothing: a) Insulated underwear b) sweater/fleece c) warm waterproof gloves d) ski hat
6) if it is going to be sunny day sun tan lotion for your face, and definitely lip balm.