Jason Mence, Dave Bluma and Nate Boston of the Stevens Point Judo Club have received belt promotions. (contributed photo)

Special Contribution by Tom Gustin

The Stevens Point Judo Club would like to recognize the following students for their advancements in Judo.  The following Judo students completed judo promotions.  Joey Hetzel and Betsy Gauthier-Koth have been promoted to Nikyu, second degree brown belt.  Both students compete regularly in tournaments and attend clinics through-out the state, Illinois, and Iowa. They assist in teaching new students and continually strive to perfect technique for competition and demonstration.

Nate Boston and Jason Mence have been promoted to Yonkyu or green belt and Dave Bluma has been promoted to Gokyu or orange belt.  These young men continually strive for perfection on techniques and attend many tournaments when possible.

Sean Horton has been promoted to Nidan, second degree black belt.  Sean has just completed three tough tournaments this summer.  He placed as one of the top three in his division at each event.

The Judo test consist of advance throws for the rank in question along with a history and vocabulary test.   They demonstrated techniques verbally as if teaching a new student.  The brown belt and black belt students had to demonstrate either a section of kata or a complete kata.  Kata is prearranged Judo techniques that are judged by a panel of judges or coaches. They continue to learn the little things involved in each technique that are necessary to perform the skill correctly.

On October 30, 2012 these six individuals will attend a Judo clinic with world master competitor, Will Chapin.  Chapin has assisted these six competitors with competition knowledge and technique that are useful during one-on–one events.  There will be other Judo students attending the clinic from Reedsburg, WI. New London, WI. and Judo clubs from the Fox Valley area.

Tom Gustin

Stevens Point Judo Coach