USJJF Summer Camp 2000 &
Summer Open Ju-Jitsu Tournament

Hosted by the Arkansas Ju-Jitsu Association and co-owner of the Midwest National Training Center, the event was attended by such noteable USJJF Leaders as, USJJF Founder, Hanshi George Anderson, USJJF President Bruce Bethers, Vice President Robert Carver, Michael Dunphy, US National Duo Team Coach, Bo Kimly, US National Kumite Team Coach, T. R. McClanahan, Chairman of the USJJF Referee Committee, and USJJF Board Members, David Ames and James Caldwell. 

The Midwest National Training Center is a 3.5 million dollar facility and is a part of Total Fitness owned by Sensei Lyndel Moore. This state of the art facility has complete fitness facilities on the first floor and the second floor sporting two full size Olympic tatami with room for two more in the future.

Exterior view of the National Training Center

Sign outside the National Training Center

Day 1 of the Summer Camp started with instruction by Hanshi Anderson in kicking techniques, including the use of the stepping side kick and several coordination drills. 

Next, Shihan T. R. McClanahan provided instruction in proper use of kuzushi and entry into throwing techniques. After dazzling the participants with a variety of powerful throwing techniques, Shihan McClannahan concluded his instruction with katame waza and escape techniques.

Also covered was the importance of solid technical skills, Uke's role such as cooperation, awareness of body positioning and the importance of excellent ukemi, including a loud slap. The role of Tori was also covered emphasizing the realistic use of techniques and strong control, but also the need to not induce a high level of pain or discomfort for the Uke. The last topic covered was the use of body language by both competitors.

Shihan Dunphy conducts training in the duo competition

Shihan Dunphy works with two duo participants

Next, Shihan Bo Kimly, US National Kumite Coach took to the mat and provided instruction in strategy and tactics for all phases on kumite. Shihan Kimly then took the students through a variety of practice drills and practice kumite.

The day ended with a dinner at a local restaurant by all participants.

Day 2 of the Summer Camp started with a Referee Rules review by Shihan Bethers. Participants had the opportunity to ask a variety of questions to clarify any questions that had with regard to the JJIF rules.

Following the rules review, participants had the chance to get some "last minute" instruction in Duo and Kumite from the US National Coaches before the start of the US Summer Open Ju-Jitsu Tournament that afternoon.

The US Summer Open Ju-Jitsu Tournament began following lunch, fist with the Duo competition and then Kumite. Although there was only a small number of competitors, each showed outstanding technique and spirit. This was an outstanding chance for a number of members to not only gain experience in competition, but also to provide practical training for a number of new referees.

Results of the US Summer Open Ju-Jitsu Tournament are as follows:

Duo:
Kids - 10-13
1st Place: Gabriel and Barnardo Martinez, Rogers AR

Kids - 14-17
1st Place: Aron Caldwell, LaVista NE and Adam Pyles - Canal Fulton, OH

Men
1st Place: David Ames, Akron OH and David Ringeis, Union Town OH

Kumite:
Men's 136.5 - 152
1st Place: Brian Robinson - Fayetteville, AR
2nd Place: David Ringeis - Union Town, OH

Men's 152.5 - 170
1st Place: Greg McLroy - Wadsworth OH
2nd Place: Brian Schwalback - Banshore, NY
3rd Place: Donald Williamson - Hartville, OH
4th Place: Ryan Mason - Silver Lake, OH

Men's 170.1 - 187.5
1st Place: Fredrick Parrish, Delaware, OH
2nd Place: Scott Brenner, Canton, OH

Men's 187.6 - 207 Advanced
1st Place: Chad White, Akron OH
2nd Place: Louie Bague, North Canton, OH
3rd Place: Dane Stolzer, Medina, OH

Men's 207+
1st Place: James Lucas, Bella Vista, AR
2nd Place: Karl Koppes, Akron OH

The next USJJF Event will be the Fall Camp in Columbus, Ohio, October 27-29, 2000. Following the Fall Camp, US Team Members will be traveling to the Ju-Jitsu International Federation World Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark. 

Some of the Summer Camp participants

Summer Camp Instructors and US National Team Members
Back Row (Instructors) and Front Row (US National Team Members)