Kirkwood Judo Club Blog

20016 Olympic Hopeful Dillon waits patiently for Sensei Michael of France to make a mistake. When we last looked he was still waiting.

Sensei Michael Claeyssen, taught his final class this trip at the newly opened USA Stars Judo Club in Granite City Illinois. The crowd of nearly 30 Juniors and a handful of Seniors were treated to a very special workout featuring many of the French Training concepts that have kept the French consistently in the top five teams in the world over the last eight years.

Michael comes to us from Live in Northern France, where he is the Sport's director of the Dunkerque Judo Club. He was National Junior competitor, and a resident of Frances National Training Center. He was here, largely at his own expense, to come and share the many French training concepts in teaching, and training with us. I think everyone who attended came away impressed.

For more information on the USA Stars Judo program in Granite City Illinois, contact Doug Tedrick at DouglasTedrick@aol.com.

Black Belts in Front Row Sensei Tom Kuhne, Special Guest Michael Claeyssen, Sempai Russ Little, Sempai John Snyder, and second from right in the back row Sempai Dave Hertweck

Thanks to everyone who came out in support of our week with Michael Claeyssen. Michael came to us from Live in Northern France, where he is the Sport's director of the Dunkerque Judo Club. He was National Junior competitor, and a resident of Frances National Training Center. More than showing specific techniques Michael shared with us the French Philosophy of teaching and training in Judo, and the benefits to our workouts will be evident for months if not years to come. The Kirkwood Judo Club has been lucky enough to have incredible clinics put on by instructors from Italy, Japan, Russia, Korea, and we can not most certainly add France to the list. It was a pleasure training with you Michael. Merci Beaucoup

We are constantly hoping for more coverage of Judo on US Television, and it appears that at least someone was listening. Here is the broadcast schedule for Judo in the coming Olympics: Midnight - 1:00 a.m. ET/PT Judo - Men's 60kg and Women's 48kg Gold Medal Finals SPECIAL NOTE FROM USA JUDO: In a previous email, it was stated that Judo coverage on Bravo would begin at 1:00 AM. This is incorrect. The schedule now shows that coverage begins at Midnight. Please be aware that the schedule is subject to change. Check with nbcolympics.com and your local station for the most current information. USA Judo will attempt to keep everyone informed from Athens if new information is obtained.

In addition to our American team, we will be keeping our fingers crossed, and wishing good thoughts to at least one member of the Honduran Olympic Judo team later this month. Luis Moran, the 100 Kg competitor from Honduras was the first Olympian from any country to purchase a Gi from The JudoGi Store www.judogis.com the alter ego yours truly, and the purchase was for two Gis specifically to be used in Athens. In case you are wondering, he purchased two Mizuno Euro Comp Gis, one white and one blue, in size 7. I'm hoping he doesn't face Rhadi Ferguson in the first couple of rounds because that would make for a very tough call for me decide who to route for. Good Luck Luis, and Good Luck to the entire USA Olympic Judo Team. Sempai Russ Little Kirkwood Judo Club, St. Louis, MO www.kirkwoodjudo.com The JudoGi Store www.judogis.com