JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. -- United States Judo Association President Gary Goltz traveled from California to visit the Samurai Judo Association at Joint Base Charleston - Weapons Station March 7. The Samurai Judo Association, led by Dr. Ronald Charles, trains at the JB Charleston - Weapons Station Morale Welfare and Recreation gym and is the largest club in the U.S. Judo Association. Goltz, a seventh degree black belt was accompanied by O.J. Solar, a sixth degree black belt and conducted a free seminar for area Judo and Jujitsu practitioners.

Approximately 35 martial artists, ranging from beginner to ninth degree black belt, attended the event to learn new techniques and share skills of this Olympic sport. Though most on the mat were active duty, participants included a few dependents, Department of Defense personnel and retired military.

Jujitsu, the art of self-defense, focuses on combat and street-worthy techniques and strategies for practical application. MWR offers free Judo and Jujitsu classes for active duty personnel about four times per week at the MWR athletics facility in Bldg. 725 at the Weapons Station. Adult dependents and DoD employees and their adult dependents are eligible to attend but pay a token fee for the class. Adult beginners as well as experienced martial artists are welcome. Participants are required to have or purchase a uniform and join the U.S. Judo Association.

For more information, visit the club website at web.me.com/ronaldallancharles/samuraijudoassociation or contact Dr. Ronald Charles at 553-6702 or send an email to CharlesR@Citadel.edu.