|
The weekend of March 3-5, 2000 saw Medford Judo Academy celebrating 40 years of continuous
operation. This makes it the longest running dojo in the same location in all of the AJJF. In September 1960, Tom
Ball and Larry Nolte marked their grand opening with an open house featuring demonstrations and refreshments. Professor
Bud Estes and Tom Ball promoted Larry to the rank of Shodan during this event. This year's anniversary event echoed
that occasion with an extended weekend of camaraderie.
Following the opening Friday evening, classes were offered for green, brown, and black belts. Afterward, Larry
opened his home for an informal gathering to renew friendships. Saturday was filled with classes for the lower
ranks while black belt testing was conducted.
More than 100 people from four states attended the catered Thai/Chinese dinner Saturday evening. During dinner
Larry thanked Professors Lamar Fisher, Jim Musselman, Tom Jenkins, Tom Ball, Herb LaGue, and Ron Jennings for attending
and sharing their knowledge. The following promotions were also announced: Bruce Mason, Ikkyu; Randy DeBunce, Ikkyu;
and Seth Loveland, Nikkyu. Troy Shehorn then presented Larry with a plaque commemorating his 40 years operating
the Academy. Professor Tom Ball also awarded Larry with a plaque; this one in recognition of outstanding service
to the AJJF. A slide show of the "good old days" provided the remaining entertainment.
For many, the highlight of the weekend was the firewalk on Saturday night. Following dinner, those who planned
to firewalk lit the pyre of madrone. While the fire burned to coals, participants prepared mentally by sharing
strengths and heroes, and reflecting on their goals. Nearly 30 people made the 26-foot walk across the glowing
coals. It was deemed an enlightening and empowering experience.
Sunday morning combatants braved a rare snowfall to compete in the Kata contest. Over sixty students from four
schools vied for places.
Kata Contest results:
|
Kids' Division:
|
| Novice: |
1st: Skylar McDonald/Daulton Bradley, Medford Judo Academy
2nd: Steven Gillman/Christie Jordan, Mugen Kan
3rd: Christie Risenhoover/Marisa Cruse, Fudo No Sei Kaku
4th: Timber Cozo/ Cody Biesanz, Medford Judo Academy
5th: Ivan Puente, Fudo No Sei Kaku |
| Intermediate: |
1st: Chad Daniels/Kassidy Hall, Medford Judo Academy
2nd: Alicia Shehorn/John Baumgarten, Medford Judo Academy
3rd: Damian Allen/Devin Kuhns, Fudo No Sei Kaku |
| Advanced: |
1st: Michael Keith/Zachary Stoner, Mugen Kan
2nd: Jordan Marshall/Elijah Loveland, Medford Judo Academy
3rd: Rosie Chesney/Mike Pisano, Mugen Kan
4th: Armand Gilbert/Jamie Biesanz, Medford Judo Academy
5th: Kathleen Kuiqua/Carmen Becerra, Fudo No Sei Kaku |
| Participating: |
Kory Allen, Charlie Sinclair, Shawna Grimes, and Nicole Sinclair from Fudo No Sei
Kaku; Nick Pisano, Alex Williams from Mugen Kan |
| High Combative Sequence: |
1st: Michael Keith, Mugen Kan
2nd: Zachary Stoner, Mugen Kan |
|
Adult Division:
|
| White Belt: |
1st: Dan Allen/ Ken Lamphere, Fudo No Sei Kaku |
| Blue Belt: |
1st: Joe Yearsley/Rick Dean, Mugen Kan
2nd: Donna Wilson/Kristie Perry, Fudo No Sei Kaku |
| Green Belt: |
1st: Damian Wallace/Jason Fuller, Medford Judo Academy
2nd: Ian Johnson/Warren Schnibbe, Bushidokan/Medford Judo |
| Brown Belt: |
1st: Randy DeBunce/Seth Loveland, Medford Judo Academy
2nd: Bruce Mason/John McNally, Medford Judo/Mugen Kan |
| Black Belt: |
1st: Suki LaGue//Ted Hecklin, Bushidokan
2nd: Josh Rubak/Jesse Biesanz, Medford Judo Academy
3rd: Kim Duffy/Brandon Johnson, Fudo No Sei Kaku
4th: Graham Miller, Fudo No Sei Kaku |
| High Combative Sequence: |
1st: Suki LaGue, Bushidokan
2nd: Ted Hecklin, Bushidokan |
|
