ILLINOIS JUDO NEWSLETTER – IPPON!!!

ILLINOIS JUDO NEWSLETTER – IPPON!!!

August 19, 2008

President:              Tim Schultheis
VP:                          Chuck Clark
Secretary:              Mary Gail Ford
Treasurer:              Frank Oliveri
Editor:                    Kei Narimatsu

THIS NEWSLETTER MAY BE PASSED ON TO ANYONE IN YOUR ADDRESS BOOK WHO MIGHT NOT GET THIS DIRECTLY FROM THE EDITOR. I DO NOT ALWAYS HAVE CURRENT EMAIL ADDRESSES BUT CLUB INSTRUCTORS, STATE PRESIDENTS AND OTHERS MAY WANT TO LET THEIR MEMBERS HAVE THIS AS WELL. PLEASE DISTRIBUTE AS YOU WISH. IF THOSE INDIVIDUALS WISH TO GET THIS EMAIL FIRST HAND, PLEASE CONTACT ME AT knarimatsu@microlamps.com with subject: Add to Illinois Judo Newsletter

Illinois Judo Newsletter – IPPON!! is the voice of Illinois Judo, sent whenever convenient to members of Illinois Judo and other interested parties. All articles and content are the opinion of the editor unless otherwise noted and do not reflect the opinion of Illinois Judo, its officers or members. Information is gathered from various sources expressly sent for distribution. Contents may contain inaccurate information. If anyone can correct any inaccuracies, they will be published as soon as possible. Information presented will be of a general nature only and will not promote any national organization except USJI/USA Judo or any of its state governing bodies. Tournament and clinic notifications will be made for all organizations and will be guaranteed posted if sent to the editor in electronic format ONLY and in a timely manner. Illinois Judo will make every effort to respect your privacy and never sell, trade, or otherwise abuse the privilege of serving you via this e-mail newsletter.

Cancellation: We're committed to Permission Distribution, so if you prefer not to receive the IPPON!!!, simply send a blank e-mail to knarimatsu@microlamps.com or hit reply with unsubscribe-IPPON in the subject line. You will be omitted from my list FOREVER. It is also appreciated if you would indicate your name in the tag line. I do not use email addresses to segregate emails, only real names. Thank you.

Contents:
EDITORIAL – Learning To Fall – Natalie Liverant

Local News

o National Coach Certification Clinic – Memphis TN

USA JUDO NEWS

o Nomination List Posted at www.USA Judo.org

o 2008 Olympic Games Judo Preview – log onto NBCOlympics.com for full coverage and video

o Many stories about the entire Olympics team and how they did are at www.USJUDO.org

o Just a reminder – Membership Dues - $20.08 until August 31, 2008

Something to Think About – MEMORY TEST

Upcoming Events

USA Judo Life Members

*************************************************************************************

EDITORIAL –

Learning to Fall

By Natalie Ume Liverant

Like returning home after a long journey, stepping onto the tatami at the dojo is one of the most relaxing moments I look forward to after a long day of work. A wave of excitement builds as I change into my gi, enter the dojo, slip off my zori (flip flops), step onto the mat, and bow as I enter. At this moment, it’s as if all the troubles of the day disappear and what is left is a mind that is clear, calm, and ready to learn. As we begin warm ups, a surge of energy pulses through my veins and my body prepares for uchi komi (repetition of practice without throwing). Usually, this part of practice exerts so much energy that I’m breathless when it comes time for randori (free practice), but the three minute rounds fly by and before I know it, practice is over. We line up facing the sensei (instructor(s)) and the commands are given, “Seiza. Mokuso. Ya-mei. Sensei ni rei. Shomen. Rei.” (Kneel. Meditation. Break meditation. Bow to instructor. Face (a picture of) Jigoro Kano. Bow.) As I break from the kneeling position and leave the mat, I feel a mixture of exhaustion and rejuvenation. I’m glad to be home.

Growing up, judo was my salvation. Here, I escaped the bullies, bad grades and chores. I loved being on the mat and picked up judo pretty quickly. Mimicking the techniques taught by my sensei was easy. The challenge was executing that technique during randori or a tournament. Just like any other competitive sport, losing a match is never fun but there are two ways to lose. You can leave feeling sour and frustrated at not winning or learn from your mistakes and practice to improve. There is a story my friend, Jarrod, used to tell. For several years in a row during his youth, Jarrod’s dad attended lots of tournaments throughout the year and lost every match. While some would see this as grounds to quit, his dad continued to compete and soon began to win his matches. I see two lessons to this story. The first: Never give up. The second: It’s not about the winning or losing, it’s about what you take away from the match for the next time. Lessons like this also helped me deal with the bullies and bad grades, although I still don’t like to do chores.

Judo also kept me connected to my Japanese heritage. On the mat, I learned how to count and some vocabulary. Off the mat, there were celebrations and demonstrations at various events throughout Chicago. I have fond memories of pounding mochi at the annual Kagami Biraki (opening ceremony for the first practice of the New Year) and demonstrations at the Botanical Gardens. Being a part of a judo club made making friends a lot easier, too. I think this is because no one on the mat excels at everything. Each of us has particular strengths and weaknesses and we rely on each other for our own improvement. Because judo is this constant give and take situation, the friendships between judoka can become very close and I find that some of my most trusted and longest friendships are with those who I have met through judo.

Judo means the world to me and I owe it all to my mom. Being a judoka herself, she knew the benefits my sister and I could take away from being in a sport that was also a strong community. She put my sister, Stephanie, and I in judo at ages five and eight, respectively, and was the biggest supporter and coach at all our tournaments. When I was eleven, my mom helped me to train for the Junior Olympics. Every morning during that summer, she would run four and a quarter miles with me. Actually, most of the time she had to drag me nearly the whole distance because I was lazy, stubborn, and unmotivated. A month before the tournament, she sent me to judo camp and, while I didn’t win a metal, I fought some of the best matches in my life. The whole summer is an experience I will never forget.

I still remember the first time I met my mom’s judo friends, Doug and Dean, barbequing teriyaki chickens during the Ginza Festival, at the Midwest Buddhist temple in Old Town in Chicago. When I think back on that day, I distinctly remember this first meeting with Doug, the air thick with smoke from the chickens roasting over the cinderblock pit, the smell from the shoyu glaze burning over the fire, it was a hot August day but still people crowded into lines and at tables for some of the best teriyaki I’ve ever had. I remember Doug’s smile and cheery hello as my mouth watered waiting for the huge chunk of chicken served on a bed of white rice with a side of coleslaw. At the time, the only thing I knew about this man was that he was in charge of the chicken that I would soon devour so that it could rest happily in my belly. A month later he would become my sensei, giving my sister and me our first lessons of falling. After that first night of practice, I was in love.

I have practiced judo for more than half of my life, now. Most recently, after putting it off for some time, I finally accepted the promotion to shodan (first degree black belt). Growing up, I saw earning a black belt as an indication of expertise, that by becoming a black belt I would be able to learn the inner most secrets of judo. However, the only secret to success in judo is something I learned as a white belt. Go to practice, and when you’re there practice hard and with your whole heart. If home is where the heart is, then mine can be found wherever there is mat filled with sweaty, hardworking, judoka, and my mom, if not on the mat with me, coaching me from the sidelines.

Side note:
I began judo in 1993 at Tohkon Judo Academy in Chicago, IL. Two years later, I joined Tenri Judo Dojo, located in Des Plaines; I currently attend practice, when possible, at both locations. While at attendance at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, I practiced with the Illini Judo club.

Natalie Ume Liverant, a third generation Japanese American, received her bachelors of arts degree in Anthropology from the University of Illinois in 2007. She currently works for the University's non-profit company, the Public Service Archaeology and Architecture Program, as a field and lab technician. Natalie started judo when she was eight years old and currently holds the rank of shodan (first degree blackbelt). She currently resides in Schaumburg, IL with her mother and sister.

This article originally appeared in the Voices of Chicago by the Chicago Japanese American Historical Society (Discover Nikkei Affiliate).

http://www.discovernikkei.org/forum/en/node/2639

LOCAL NEWS -

National Coach Certification Clinic –Memphis TN

Attached is an invitation to the "National" Level Coach Certification Clinic in Memphis, Tennessee October 11, 2008. Anyone may attend but only those who qualify will be eligible for Certification. The object is toward "National" Level but I will give credit to those who need "Local" or "Regional" as well.

Michael Ostrowski is in the process of preparing "after event entertainment" and more will be sent regarding that. We are trying to get Blake Bobbitt to present the First Aid and CPR Certification for those who need it. I scheduled it for Saturday night but we may change it to Sunday Morning if need be.

Please download the forms you need from USJudo.org and pre register so we may keep on schedule Saturday morning. If you are unable to pre register I will have all the paperwork there at 7:00 A.M. Come and enjoy the fellowship and continue your education. See you there.

Bob Harvey.

USA JUDO NEWS

Complete coverage of these articles are available at the USA Judo website at http://www.usjudo.org/ Click on the What’s New page to see all the recent news items. The items listed below may or may not be linked already.

Stay at the Olympic Training Center for the U.S. Open!

Book your room at the Olympic Training Center for the U.S. Open. Rooms are still available in the dormitories and will be booked upon a first come, first serve basis.

The housing request form can be found on the last page of the entry packet. Rates are $80 + tax and includes MEALS. There will be four people per room. Roommate requests must be submitted with full payment in order to be guaranteed.

Regular committee meetings and the elections will be held on Thursday, September 25th at the Olympic Training Center. The full meeting schedule will be posted next week.

Competition will be held September 26-28 at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO.

For more information about the 2008 U.S. Open Championship, please contact Sherrie Phillips, USA Judo Manager of Event Administration, at sportsconsult@aol.com.

To register, please print off the entry packet, which can be found at www.usjudo.org.

The Board of Directors Nomination List Has Been Posted

USA Judo would like to thank you for your patience during this process.

Click here to view the 2008 Board of Directors Nominations List.

2008 Olympic Games Judo Preview
(Beijing, China) - With five of the 10 members of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team competing to Beijing as veterans of at least one previous Games, this year's Team brings experience from both past Team members as well as first-timers who have had extensive international success.
Competition begins on Saturday at the University of Science and Technology Beijing Gymnasium and can be viewed live in the United States at www.nbcolympics.com.

Competition begins daily with preliminary sessions at noon and evening finals at 6 p.m. (including semifinals, repechage finals and bronze and gold medal matches.)

Below is a look at Team USA:

Unofficially dubbed "USA Judo's youngest veteran," Ronda Rousey (Wakefield, Mass. / NYAC / USA Judo National Team FORCE) was the youngest judo competitor from any country at the 2004 Games and returns... more>

Four-Time Olympian Brian Olson Named Olympic Team Captain

(Beijing, China) - With three Olympic Games and 25 years of competition under his belt, Brian Olson (Boulder, Colo. / NYAC / USA Judo National Training Site at the Olympic Training Center) brings a high level of both leadership and judo experience to the U.S. Olympic Team for Judo and will bring those qualities to his role as team captain.

Olson was named to the honorary role by his fellow athletes who unanimously elected him to the position on Wednesday.

A 1997 World medalist, Olson retired after the 2004 Games, but the 35-year-old came back to competition in October with the goal of winning a medal.

"Coming off a three-year layoff... more>

JUST A REMINDER!!!!!
The USA Judo Beijing membership promotion for $20.08 to celebrate the 2008 Olympic Games will be ending soon, so if you have been thinking about joining USA Judo now is the time! This one time membership offer will expire on August 31, 2008. If you have any questions about this membership promotion please feels free to call Monica Wright-Tafoya at 719-866-3685 or email at monica.wright-tafoya@usajudo.us.

Something to Think About –

MEMORY TEST!

This is NOT a pushover test. There are 20 questions. Average score is 12. It will help if you are over 60! This one will be difficult for the younger set. Have fun, but no peeking! When you forward this to your friends/family, put your score in the subject line & let them know your score. Don't forget to forward it to me, as well. Good luck youngsters.

1. What builds strong bodies 12 ways?

A. Flintstones vitamins

B. The Buttmaster

C. Spaghetti

D. Wonder Bread

E. Orange Juice

F. Milk

G. Cod Liver Oil

2. Before he was Muhammed Ali, he was...

A. Sugar Ray Robinson

B. Roy Orbison

C. Gene Autry

D. Rudolph Valentino

E. Fabian

F. Mickey Mantle

G. Cassius Clay

Pogo, the comic strip character said, 'We have met the enemy and...
A. It's you
B. He is us
C. It's the Grinch
D. He wasn't home
E. He's really me an
F. We quit
G. He surrendered

4. Good night David
A. Good night Chet
B. Sleep well
C. Good night Irene
D. Good night Gracie
E. See you later alligator
F. Until tomorrow
G. Good night Steve

5. You'll wonder where the yellow went...
A. When you use Tide
B. When you lose your crayons
C. When you clean your tub
D. If you paint the room blue
E. If you buy a soft water tank
F. When you use Lady Clairol
G. When you brush your teeth with Pepsodent

6. Before he was the Skipper's Little Buddy, Bob Denver was Dobie's friend...
A. Stuart Whitman
B. Randolph Scott
C. Steve Reeves
D. Maynard G. Krebbs
E. Corky B. Dork
F. Dave the Whale
G. Zippy Zoo

7. Liar, liar...
A. You're a liar
B. Your nose is growing
C. Pants on fire
D. Join the choir
E. Jump up higher
F. On the wire
G. I'm telling Mom

8. Meanwhile, back in Metropolis, Superman fights a never ending battle for truth, justice and...
A. Wheaties
B. Lois Lane
C. TV ratings
D. World peace
E. Red tights
F. The American way
G. News headlines

9. Hey kids! What time is it?
A. It's time for Yogi Bear
B. It's time to do your homework
C. It's Howdy Doody Time
D. It's Time for Romper Room
E. It's bedtime
F. The Mighty Mouse Hour
G. Scoopy Doo Time

10. Lions and tigers and bears...
A. Yikes
B. Oh no
C. Gee whiz
D. I'm scared
E. Oh my
F. Help! Help!
G. Let's run

11. Bob Dylan advised us never to trust anyone...
A. Over 40
B. Wearing a uniform
C. Carrying a briefcase
D. Over 30
E. You don't know
F. Who says, 'Trust me'
G. Who eats tofu

12. NFL quarterback who appeared in a television commercial wearing women's stockings...
A. Troy Aikman
B. Kenny Stabler
C. Joe Namath
D. Roger Stauback
E. Joe Montana
F. Steve Young
G. John Elway

13. Brylcream...
A. Smear it on
B. You'll smell great
C. Tame that cowlick
D. Grease ball heaven
E. It's a dream
F. We're your team
G. A little dab'll do ya

14. I found my thrill...
A. In Blueberry muffins
B. With my man, Bill
C. Down at the mill
D. Over the windowsill
E. With thyme and dill
F. Too late to enjoy
G. On Blueberry Hill

15. Before Robin Williams, Peter Pan was played by...
A. Clark Gable
B. Mary Martin
C. Doris Day
D. Errol Flynn
E. Sally Fields
F. Jim Carey
G. Jay Leno

16. Name the Beatles...
A. John, Steve, George, Ringo
B. John, Paul, George, Roscoe
C. John, Paul, Stacey, Ringo
D. Jay, Paul, George, Ringo
E. Lewis, Peter, George, Ringo
F. Jason, Betty, Skipper, Hazel
G. John, Paul, George, Ringo

17. I wonder, wonder, who..
A. Who ate the leftovers?
B. Who did the laundry?
C. Was it you?
D. Who wrote the book of love?
E. Who I am?
F. Passed the test?
G. Knocked on the door?

18. I'm strong to the finish...
A. Cause I eats my broccoli
B. Cause I eats me spinach
C. Cause I lift weights
D. Cause I'm the hero
E. And don't you forget it
F. Cause Olive Oyl loves me
G. To outlast Bruto

19. When it's least expected, you're elected, you're the star today...
A. Smile, you're on Candid Camera
B. Smile, you're on Star Search
C. Smile, you won the lottery
D. Smile, we're watching you
E. Smile, the world sees you
F. Smile, you're a hit
G. Smile, you're on TV

20. What do M & M's do?
A. Make your tummy happy
B. Melt in your mouth, not in your pocket
C. Make you fat
D. Melt your heart
E. Make you popular
F. Melt in your mouth, not in your hand
G. Come in colors

Below are the right answers:

1. D - Wonder Bread
2. G - Cassius Clay
3. B - He Is Us
4. A - Good night, Chet
5. G - When you brush your teeth with Pepsodent
6. D - Maynard G. Krebbs
7. C - Pants On Fire
8. F - The American Way
9. C - It's Howdy Doody Time
10. E - Oh My
11. D - Over 30
12. C - Joe Namath
13. G - A little dab'll do ya
14. G - On Blueberry Hill
15. B - Mary Martin
16. G - John, Paul, George, Ringo
17. D - Who wrote the book of Love
18. B - Cause I eats me spinach
19. A - Smile, you're on Candid Camera
20. F - Melt In Your Mouth Not In Your Hand

UPCOMING EVENTS – 2008

Please note the following events on the horizon for Illinois and the Midwest. Communication and download information can be gotten directly through this email by attachments or by going to www.judofdl.com (Welcome Mat Judo). OR www.judocalendar.com (Jim Carmer). Either site is a wealth of information on Judo events. Both have more events listed than I have, so visit their sites often. Thanks.

2008 dates

Aug 30 Fall Classic National Championships Spokane, WA

USA Judo Senior D Level Point Tournament

Contact: Sherrie Phillips 719.491.9682 sportsconsult@aol.com

Aug 31 Ladder Tournament Spokane WA

Contact Sherrie Phillips 719.491.9682 sportsconsult@aol.com

Please note that the Junior World Trials will be held at the Fall Classic/Ladder.

Sept 20 Konjo Dojo St Louis Judo Fall Championships – Fenton MO NEW!!

Contact Randy Pierce 1-636-464-6487 konjo7@aol.com

Sept 25-26 13^th Rock and Roll Capital of the World Judo Tournament – Lodi, OH

Contact Mike Mooney 440-646-9900 http://www.chutobujudo.com/ mmooney@academycomm.com

Joe Schmidt (330) 273-1573 schmidtjudo@verizon.net

Sept 26 - 28 US Open Judo Championships Colorado Springs CO

PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE

Contact Sherrie Phillips tel. 719.491.9682
Fax: 719.487.0989 sportsconsult@aol.com

Oct 11 National" Level Coach Certification Clinic Memphis TN

Contact Bob Harvey MsWillys51@aol.com

Oct 18 San Sedai Dojo Judo Tournament Madison IN

Contact Deborah Crawford 1-502-268-5289

OCT 18 2008 Badger Open Fond du Lac, WI