HARRISBURG
JUDO EXPERTISE
JUDO EXPERTISE
2004 Olympian teaches 60 kids at free camp
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
BY PHYLLIS ZIMMERMAN
For The Patriot-News
On the first day of the Harrisburg Judo Kai Camp, the concentrated shouts of nearly 60 youngsters echoed throughout the gymnasium of the Camp Curtin School.
"Yah!" The youths exclaimed in unison as they lay on mats and slammed their right hands on the floor.
"OK, everybody, push-ups. Five quick push-ups," said Rick Hawn, a member of the U.S. Olympic judo team in 2004.
This is the fourth summer for the free judo camp, which runs all week. Hawn led yesterday's camp and was to return today. The Harrisburg Parks and Recreation Department, Harrisburg Judo Kai, the East Shore YMCA and the Harrisburg School District organized the camp.
The youngsters, ages 6 to 14, quickly scrambled to push-up positions. They were inspired, enthusiastic and ready to move.
"I like to chop people. I'm good at wrestling, too," said James Colman, 7, who said he also likes karate.
After the first morning at camp, Alexis Pinnick, 6, of Harrisburg, said she knows all about judo. Devante Jones, 8, said he practices judo at home with virtual video games.
Hawn, of Boston, competed in the 2004 Summer Olympics and is in training for the 2008 games.
"I'm up the road a few hours from here. I like working with the kids and giving them the expertise," Hawn said.
Hawn, 29, said he started studying judo when he was 12.
"I was kind of a late bloomer. Most people start it when they're around 6," he said.
After completing high school, he became serious about the sport, traveling as a competitor and trainer. He trains six days a week, up to five hours a day.
Assisting Hawn at the camp was his girlfriend, Tayna Lindenmuth, a former Allentown resident who was a member of the 2000 U.S. Olympic cycling team. She is now retired from that sport.
"I had nothing to do with judo until last year," Lindenmuth said.
Sponsors include The Hershey Co., Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Co., Highmark Inc. and the Governor's Commission for African-American Affairs.
"This is wonderful. This a marvelous place," said camp director Les Ford of Harrisburg Judo Kai.
On the first day of the Harrisburg Judo Kai Camp, the concentrated shouts of nearly 60 youngsters echoed throughout the gymnasium of the Camp Curtin School.
"Yah!" The youths exclaimed in unison as they lay on mats and slammed their right hands on the floor.
"OK, everybody, push-ups. Five quick push-ups," said Rick Hawn, a member of the U.S. Olympic judo team in 2004.
This is the fourth summer for the free judo camp, which runs all week. Hawn led yesterday's camp and was to return today. The Harrisburg Parks and Recreation Department, Harrisburg Judo Kai, the East Shore YMCA and the Harrisburg School District organized the camp.
The youngsters, ages 6 to 14, quickly scrambled to push-up positions. They were inspired, enthusiastic and ready to move.
"I like to chop people. I'm good at wrestling, too," said James Colman, 7, who said he also likes karate.
After the first morning at camp, Alexis Pinnick, 6, of Harrisburg, said she knows all about judo. Devante Jones, 8, said he practices judo at home with virtual video games.
Hawn, of Boston, competed in the 2004 Summer Olympics and is in training for the 2008 games.
"I'm up the road a few hours from here. I like working with the kids and giving them the expertise," Hawn said.
Hawn, 29, said he started studying judo when he was 12.
"I was kind of a late bloomer. Most people start it when they're around 6," he said.
After completing high school, he became serious about the sport, traveling as a competitor and trainer. He trains six days a week, up to five hours a day.
Assisting Hawn at the camp was his girlfriend, Tayna Lindenmuth, a former Allentown resident who was a member of the 2000 U.S. Olympic cycling team. She is now retired from that sport.
"I had nothing to do with judo until last year," Lindenmuth said.
Sponsors include The Hershey Co., Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Co., Highmark Inc. and the Governor's Commission for African-American Affairs.
"This is wonderful. This a marvelous place," said camp director Les Ford of Harrisburg Judo Kai.
Fonte: Patriot-News - Harrisburg, PA, USA - http://www.pennlive.com/
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