For the City Times

Martial art students, just like other types of students, rely on the experience of their instructor.

Sometimes there are difficulties understanding instructions of a new technique. A different instructor teaching the same technique may have a different approach to his style of teaching and students may understand what their Sensei was trying to explain.

Sensei Dave Wanta, who has trained at the Olympic Training Center, was the guest coach for the UWSP and Stevens Point Judo Club, Tuesday Oct. 25. There were 30 Judo students on the mat. Sensei Wanta is a Shodan (first degree black belt).

His background is an assistant instructor at Four Season Martial Arts in Tell City, Ind. with Lee Holloway. He also assisted Tom Kuhne and Russ Little at Kirkwood Judo Club, St. Louis, Mo. His competition experience is participating in many U.S. Open, U.S. National Judo Tournaments, MMA events, Chinese Kung-Fu, and Brazilian ju-jitsu.

Sensei Dave Wanta shared strategies of a shoulder throw, turn-over and an escape. He demonstrated small scissors steps versus big steps; the different between big, spacious steps and small tight steps is the differences of escape or a throw. Taking tight steps and making contact, with no space between the thrower and receiver of throw, will make for an excellent throw, worthy of the win.

The second stage of instruction, Sensei Wanta shared a few secrets about escapes with the youth. He told the youth present that practicing the techniques of turnovers and escapes is important. The most important thing in anything including Judo is never miss practice and practice technique’s with your partner or by yourself.

Coach Tom Gustin ended the clinic with the presentation of a hand carve style of Native American Flute to Mr. Wanta.

Stevens Point Judo club is open to all ages beginning at six years old. All skill levels are welcome. More information on the club can be found at stevenspointjudo.com.