by Fergus Dullaghan
6. June 2011 06:58
LUTA hosted its first in house seminar on Saturday with former world judo champion and double Olympic silver medallist Neil Adams MBE. The current Belgian national coach was in fine form as he took our seminar attendees through a range of tachi waza and ne waza situations, including foot sweeps, grip fighting tactics, and arm locks and strangle holds. By request, Neil also taught his famous Tai-Otoshi, the throw which he used to dominate the Judo world’s middleweight categories during the 1980’s.
Players of all skill levels were in attendance, from almost complete beginners to the 2006 Commonwealth Tournament gold medallist Alex Goodrich. Former full-time Team Bath athlete Tracy Plane, who now coaches at SWF Samurai judo club in Essex was another notable high level player who came to benefit from Neil’s instruction.
Towards the end of the seminar Neil, who is one of the world’s leading experts on the issues surrounding the new IJF rules, took the time to explain several of the more difficult areas, such as when exactly you are allowed to use pick ups and how elite competitors are now working the area rules to their advantage.
Neil, who also works as Sky Sports judo commentator, fully endorses LUTA’s efforts to support Fight for Peace and had the following to say about his involvement as a LUTA Ambassador:
It’s a topic that’s very close to me. A lot of people may not know this but my older brother was a victim of gun crime. He was shot and killed by his best friend in an argument […] If I can help one family, one child or adolescent make a choice between crime or striving to be their best […] I’m in whole heartedly. […] I am looking forward to being a part of the LUTA team.
For more information on Neil Adams visit: www.naeffectivefighting.com or www.thecompletejudoka.com
