Judo/judo clubs

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Expert: Neil Ohlenkamp - 7/15/2006


Question
hello. im looking to seriously start studying judo. i am 30 years
old.i was wondering if im starting too late. i reside in new york city.
i was wondering if you recommend any dojos. preferably in new
york city,also los angeles area for second option since i sometimes
live there. also if you know any korean judo instructors since im
korean and my english is limited. thank you very much.

Answer
I don't think 30 years old is too old at all. It certainly won't be as easy as if you were 13, but many people start late and learn to enjoy Judo. You will find this topic discussed in the beginners section of http://JudoForum.com Feel free to join the Forum and talk to other people just starting.

I am not familiar with New York so I can't really recommend a club there. I am more familiar with LA but it is a big place and there are a lot of classes. However, I have created a database of contacts around the world so you can research clubs in your area. You can see the listing at http://www.judoinfo.com/contacts/browse.php

If the links to web pages don't tell you enough, there are also email addresses so you can write to someone in the area you are interested in.

You might also be interested in a good Judo book to get you started. Check out http://JudoUnleashed.com

I hope this helps.

Neil Ohlenkamp
JudoInfo.com

Judo

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Neil 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, as a student, athlete, competitor, teacher, coach, referee, leader, and author.

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.

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