Preparation began in March for Rachel as she planned to begin competing on a national level in July. She started serious physical therapy exercise on her injured knee. And then, started practicing judo 5-6 days a week, making all the practice sessions of P. G. Judo Club and then going on Fridays to Washington Judo Club’s practice sessions. When a competition was held on the weekend, she competed. Later, in June, since she didn’t know when weigh-ins would be held she started watching her weight and figuring out how her weight fluctuated during the day.

Finally, the tournament flyers began to arrive and she began collecting all the documentation she needed to compete. Plane reservations were made. Mr. Takemori’s and her schedule was two tournaments in Oakland, CA. on consecutive weekends, the 1st & 2nd and the 8th & 9th. A flight home, then a tournament in Charlotte, N.C., and finally, a flight to Miami for the Maruchan Youth International….four major tournaments in July.

The end results were encouraging for Rachel. After reinjuring her knee and having to withdraw from the USJF Junior Nationals, her first tournament. She placed fourth in the Junior Olympics, her second tournament. In North Carolina, competing against the same girls she fought in California, she came in third. Finally, in Miami, she took third.

The experience of competing in a national level tournament was the only objective of this first trip. If she didn’t place at all everyone would have been quite happy. It was thrilling to watch her learn and develop into a more determined player. She was knocked out of several competitions by the same girl. The first time she got injured. The second time she lost by a yuko after about a minute of competition. The third time she lost by a koka in the last 10 seconds of the match. Now her nemesis’ dad is e-mailing Rachel to check on her progress as a player. It pays to keep and eye on dangerous competition.

Thirty-Five 7-12 year olds gathered at Deerfield Run Community Center on July 31 to begin a two-week intensive study of judo. The children participated in up to three classes (four hours) a day. They learned basic etiquette, exercise, ukemi, three throwing techniques, three pinning techniques and basic contest rules. On the last day of camp thirty-one of the children participated in a camp tournament. Certificates of accomplishment were given to each camper. Trophies were given to each shiai participant.

Special thanks go to Lisa Gagnon and Andy Kinn for taking time off during the week and coming in to teach some of the classes. Tournament volunteers included James Takemori, Pam Hinckle, Steve Manzek, Greg Goebel, Andy Kinn, Mary McProuty, Rebecca McProuty, Rachel McProuty, Alicia Rausch, and James Cornwell-Sheil.

While most Prince George’s Judo Club judoka took a summer break, three junior club members competed in the Eastern Open on August 19th. Ryan Lambert, and Rachel and Owen McProuty made and excellent showing. Owen, the youngest of the group, took first place in the 8 year old heavy weight division. He beat Michael Brown, yonkyu, twice. Owen lost his third match to Michael when he finally figured out how to counter Owen’s Seoi Nage.

Ryan Lambert took third place in the 12-13 yr old middle weight division. Ryan won his first match with a nice Tai Otoshi. He lost his second match to a smaller, heavier, much more experienced player who countered his Ippon Seoi Nage. It was a close match, and his opponent had to work to beat Ryan. Ryan lost his third match; also a close, hard fought match. These young men will be looking over their shoulders for Ryan at the next tournament.

Rachel McProuty took first place in both the girl’s and women’s heavy weight divisions. In the girls’ division Rachel threw Jenny Dillow for ippon with Harai Goshi, and pinned Maria. In the women’s division she threw Elizabeth Mason for ippon with Harai Goshi and won the other two of her matches with mat work. Stephanie Moyerman, a Sr. Ikkyu, the first opponent Rachel beat in the women’s division, requested a rematch. Her request was granted, by the tournament director, as an exhibition match. Stephanie threw Rachel for ippon with Tai Otoshi; that was Rachel’s first and only loss of the day.

Zenas Chang is 11 years old and beginning his sophomore year in high school at Eleanor Roosevelt in the Science and Technology magnet program. Last year he maintained at 4.0 GPA. This would be accomplishment enough; but, Zenas is also a judoka studying with Edwin Takemori. Having begun his studies with Mr. Takemori at the age of 5 years he has persisted in his judo, attaining the junior rank of sankyu. This fall Zenas will be eligible to test for the rank of nikyu.

This combination of judo study and academic excellence allowed Sensei Takemori to nominate Zenas for the United States Judo Federation’s Project A 2000, a recognition of his strong abilities in both fields of endeavor. As Zenas continues to excel in both his studies and his judo he will become eligible for scholarship monies in the future. Congratulations, Zenas!

Beginning the week of September 4th Prince George’s Judo Club will begin preparation for fall promotions and the fall tournament schedule. Promotions will be held at Beltsville Academic Center on Nov. 4th for Juniors and at the Naval Academy on Nov. 5th for Seniors.

If you are planning to go up for promotion don’t plan on missing any classes! There is quite a bit to cover in each session, especially for the higher ranks. If you don’t know what you will be tested on, please ASK! You may also check out the Md. Judo web site at http://www.users.erols.com/edp9000/mji. This site has the recommended testing information. Shufu Yudanshakai does modify the requirements somewhat-that’s why you need to come to class.

Remember, contest participation is considered as part of your promotion requirements. If you wish to compete; but, just can’t find a ride, let Mr. Takemori know. Rides can be arranged.