Judo master's seminar draws eager students

Students and community members gathered Saturday to learn judo techniques and receive words of wisdom from a true master.

The 40 people who attended the seminar met in Fetzer Gymnasium and heard from renowned seventh-degree black belt Randy Russell.

The seminar hosted by the Carolina Judo Club gave participants the chance to improve their technique and also compete against each other in one-on-one matches.

Russell has been practicing judo since 1963 and has competed at national and international events.

During the seminar" he stressed the importance of self-control and positioning yourself in relation to your opponent.

""If you can't control yourself" you can't control your opponent" Russell said.

Judo, or The Gentle Way"" was developed in the late 1800s by Jigoro Kano from the Japanese martial art form jujitsu.

Jukoda, or those that practice judo, are ranked by a belt system, with black being the highest.

Once a participant has reached the level of black belt, he then earns numbered degrees. Austin Cook, a senior at the Carolina Friends School, was promoted to black belt during the event.

At the seminar, participants of varying skill levels learned a variety of new techniques and engaged in randori, or free practice.

During this time, many were repeatedly taken to the mat as their opponents tried out new techniques.

Arwen Frick-Cheng, a UNC sophomore and regular member of the judo club, was one such attendee, who attended to improve her technique.

When a seventh-degree black-belt comes in" you know he's gonna know something you don't" Frick-Cheng said. It's great.""

Frick-Cheng's excitement was echoed by graduate students Alex Couture and Louis Barrios of Durham.

""He's good. He's really good"" both said while trying out a few moves.

Those in attendance were of all ages and had come from around the area to learn from Russell, whose son Jason Russell is an assistant coach for the club.

Eleven-year-old Cary resident Troy Madden was an attendee who often took down men twice his size.

It was hard" but a lot of fun" Madden said.

Russell Nash, president of the Carolina Judo Club, said the club tries to hold such events once or twice a year.

Nash, like many of the people in attendance, got into judo only after coming to UNC.

At the end of the seminar, Russell reiterated his desire to offer those in attendance a new perspective.

People say" ‘You're a master you know everything.' Well let me tell you" I learn something every day.""

Russell also attempted to relate judo to people's daily lives.

""If you can make it through a judo workout" you can get through anything" Russell said. Life's easy.""



Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.