I will start this off by saying that as a proud participant in the first Judo Forum camp I back in March 2006 in Denver, Colorado.

I am pleased to announce that the third one will be held here in the UK, The Forum camp II is being held this month (june 2008) in California and I am extremely jealous of the guys who get the chance to attend this.

I want to start talking about this camp now on this forum so as to get interest and ideas coming forward as to what you feel would make it a camp to remember, The dates also need to be set, the ideal timing would be just after the kata competitions next year in Spain, as then Paul Nogaki sensei would be able to attend and be one of the clinicians,

This camp would be over a weekend and would be two/three full days of Judo, for both kids and adults with a whole range of abilities.

The venue is likely to be the St Albans Judo Dojo www.jackwasey.com as it has a full range of facilities and they have given me a green light for the occassion subject to dates, it has three suspended mats, not quite as nice as Denver but still good enough for old boys like me to bounce on, and changing facilities, along with a viewing area and tuck shop.

As far as clinicians go, So Far I have

Scott Moore, from Denver Dojo, he is a member of this forum, and he is also Gold Medalist in the 2000 paralympic games. he will be one of the clinicians,

Paul Nogaki, from Temecula valley Judo in California, a Kodokan 6th dan and a member of this forum too, a high level international competitor, with vast knowledge to offer.

Mark Teal, from Shinto Judo Club, National Champion on many ocasions, and more titles than can be mentioned, a former national team member and nice guy too boot

I have other very experienced sensei which need to be confirmed so do not want to promise anything as of yet.

I'd like to ask what you feel would be an asset to the event, personally I would like to see an opening or closing ceremony, something which would be remembered for some time.

I believe Mongo and a few others will make the trip too, subject to finances, so local hotels etc will need to be approached nearer the time.

If Mongo is going to turn up I suggest that you WARN all of the local Pubs and Hotels

Steve,

Its fair to say that the local Pubs are going to get used heavily during this weekend.

Mainly as a painkiller for the aches and pains from the Judo.

I am very much looking forward to the camp but you might want to consider getting someone more qualified than me to be a clinician! I think it will be a blast and definitely think there should be some hypnotism involved. If you can arrange a to have the campers attend one of your big shows that would be a lot of fun!

Scott, you are a mystery to me,

I would like to ask this to the forum members,

If you had the opportunity to have Mr Scott Moore,
2000 Paralympic Gold medallist in Sydney,
Several times member of USA Paralympic Squad,
and now Paralympic team coach to teach you at a seminar,

Who from here would go???,

I know for certain that I would travel far and wide for that.

I will definately be looking to do a show as well,
in a nice large venue with a lot more people for you guys to come and see, and maybe scott you will join me on stage as well

I would be honoured to learn from JudoScott and very much hope to be at JFC3.
When is the kata comp in Spain?

Joe

Hi Jo

Its good to see you here,

I will get the dates for the kata comp then we can start setting down on paper dates for this camp, I also have another well known clinician,

Jonesey will be holding one fo the clinics too, subject to the dates also being suitable for him.

It will be guaranteed to be a great event.

I really wanted to come this year, and I had every intention of doing so... However, and this will probably sound silly, I was offered the chance to see Iron Maiden in concert that weekend. I thought I had missed my chance at ever seeing them perform live, so when the chance came up, I took it. I figure that I'll be doing Judo a long time and will have the chance to participate in events such as this in the future, but I may never get the chance to see one of my favorite bands ever again.

So, in the battle of Judo vs. a metal concert, the horns win



Maybe next year!

I appreciate your comment joeJo. I'm really looking forward to coming to London next year!

I'm really looking forward to meeting and learning from Heidi because I've never had the opportunity to train with a woman who fights at that level.
Perhaps we could start a campaign to get AnnMaria and Ronda to join us as well.

Joe