[Sportsandrec] 2009 judo training camp information

[judoheidi at earthlink.net]

Hi Everett,
One of the great things about judo is that it is accessible to people with all levels of health, fitness, ability, disability, etc.  I have a 4 year old in my class and a 65 year old, as well as 5 visually impaired/blind students. I know a man with 1 leg who competes regularly and has a black belt.  There are clubs that have classes for people with intellectual disabilities as well.  Judo can be adjusteed to fit your body type and abilities to a great extent. If you can't twist this way, you can move your hips over and do it another way, etc.  Given your situation, you would need to start out slow, stretch A LOT, and probably start a walking/jogging program.  Work your way into it and don't worry about becoming a world champion or anything. Do judo for the love of it. It is a great sport and will be nothing but good for you. Email me at judoheidi at earthlink.net if you need help locating a dojo in your area!

Heidi

-----Original Message-----
>From: Everett Gavel <everettg at successfuladaptations.com>
>Sent: Nov 6, 2008 3:39 PM
>To: Sports and Recreation for the Blind Discussion List <sportsandrec at nfbnet.org>
>Subject: Re: [Sportsandrec] 2009 judo training camp information
>
>Hi,
>
>Okay, since we've again been discussing Judo here, I'm 
>asking for your help.  I'm "going public," as I would 
>rather just get past this sticking point and move on as 
>quickly as possible.
>
>I miss Judo, I admit that.  I want to get back into it. 
>I'll admit a few other things first, though, before 
>asking my questions.  Truthfully, I'm nervous about it. 
>I happen to be 38, and not in the greatest health. 
>Years of unattended Diabetes in my younger years - and 
>the corresponding high blood sugar levels - have been 
>showing their results more and more the past decade. 
>I'm not nearly as flexible as I was a decade ago. 
>Apparently insulin builds up calcium deposits on your 
>bone joints over time.  And I've never yet been one to 
>work with a regular stretching program, though I know I 
>need to start.  I'm just not sure where or how to 
>start.  Actually, I guess my hesitancy all boils down 
>to that.  My lack of flexibility.  I believe I will 
>have problems with some of the physical turns and 
>twists necessary to do various moves properly.  In 
>fact, while I was learning, previously, I noticed this 
>exact problem happening to a lesser level than I think 
>it would today.  But still, I want to try.
>
>I guess why I'm sharing this is that I'm asking for 
>input from you here, who may know of others who aren't 
>exactly young, and who also may not be the healthiest 
>freaks out there but are enjoying themselves the best 
>they can.  Does anyone know of any 30-year-olds - or 
>older - who regularly participate in martial arts, MMA, 
>or whatever?  Anyone know of any others who perhaps 
>aren't the most physically agile, but who are still 
>giving it their best?  Anyone know of someone who began 
>learning martial arts when they were 30 or older?
>
>If so, can we talk, please?  I am sorely in need of 
>some serious inspiration, some motivation, to get me 
>started back in the right direction.  I've been letting 
>my health, and occasionally lack of it, depress me for 
>far too long now I think.
>
>Thanks for any leads, or input here.  But trust me on 
>one point, please.  The "Just Do It" speech ain't gonna 
>be worth the time it'll take you to write it, at the 
>moment.  I want and feel I need, people who have done 
>it and are doing it.  So if you can point me to 
>others - or others to me - please do.  Thanks.  You're 
>help would be greatly appreciated here.
>
>
>Strive On,
>Everett
>everett at everettgavel.com
>www.everettgavel.com
>
>
>----- Original Message ----- 
>Subject: [Sportsandrec] 2009 judo training camp 
>information
>
>
>
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