AboutNeil Ohlenkamp Expertise Mr. Ohlenkamp can answer any questions about Judo having practiced it since 1968. Author of a best-selling book on Judo and a 6th degree black belt, he has compiled a comprehensive web site (JudoInfo.com) to provide the information to everyone.
Experience Mr. Ohlenkamp has been practicing Judo continuously since 1968, and has been the head instructor of the Encino Judo Club since 1985 responsible for classes in four locations teaching over 200 students each year, with the help of other black belt members of the Encino Judo Club. He is widely recognized as a leader in the teaching and promotion of Judo for sport and self defense. He has developed highly successful Judo, jujitsu and self defense programs for various health clubs, churches, schools, employee groups, community centers, youth centers, and recreation centers throughout Southern California. He has trained athletes and coaches in seminars and clinics around the world. He has trained national and international competitors, as well as recreational Judo students.
Affiliated Organizations United States Judo Inc., United States Judo Association, United States Judo Federation, Nanka Yudanshakai, United States Ju-Jitsu Federation, Kodokan Judo Institute in Tokyo, Japan, Encino Judo Club.
Publications As a pioneer in promoting martial arts around the world through the internet, Mr. Ohlenkamp created one of the first web pages devoted to Judo. Since 1995 his Judo Information Site at JudoInfo.com has been the most highly acclaimed, most popular, and most comprehensive Judo web site on the internet. He also runs several other Judo sites like JudoForum.com, DoJudo.com, and BlackBeltJudo.com. He has also authored a book on Judo, contributed to other martial arts books, and had articles published in most of the major Judo publications in the US. The U.S. edition of the book is called Judo Unleashed (2006, McGraw-Hill) but is also available under other titles in the UK, Germany, Russia, and The Netherlands.
Education/Credentials Mr. Ohlenkamp is a 6th degree black belt and has been nationally certified as a Judo instructor, coach, and rank examiner. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Child Development with a specialty in recreation from California State University, Northridge.
Awards and Honors 6th degree black belt in Judo and Jujitsu, US Judo Coach of the Year-1999, U.S. Team Coach at the 1988 Paralympics in Seoul, Korea, the 1989 World Championships for the Blind in Manchester, England, and the 1990 World Championships and Games for the Disabled in Assen, Netherlands, and member of the International Blind Sports Association Judo Technical Committee from 1988 to 1993.
Question i have a young daughter 15/16 years old who has done extremely well at club and competition in the last few years. She is now knocking on the door of the junior international squad.
i think her judo to now has been mainly instinctive. Being fit and enthusiastic has won her many medals. However. i believe she needs to start 'thinking' more about her training if she is to progress to the next level. Can you recommend a training method that will start her thinking about setting up for throws and following through an attack.
Answer The situation you describe is very typical for both boys and girls at this age. It is quite common for it to eventually result in some failures and even quitting judo. Most coaches consider it a major hurdle to move into this higher level of almost adult competition.
Unfortunately I am afraid that I can not give you a satisfactory answer about how to deal with this situation. I don't think there is a standard answer since so much depends on the individual. One thing that can help is a consistent relationship with a knowledgeable coach who can help her through this. If you don't feel she is getting the kind of guidance she needs it might be time to move to another level of training, like the junior squad or some higher level team.
The training she receives is important to prepare her for future success rather than keeping a focus on immediate success. Trying to analyze the situation on the internet is just impossible, but an individualized training plan needs to be worked out with a coach.
I applaud you for recognizing the situation and hope you can find the right kind of training that will keep her involved. Good luck.
