On January 14, 2020, Teddy Riner, ten-time world champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist visited the dojo of the Baltimore School for the Blind for a workout. In addition to Mr. Riner, five other members from his group participated in the workout.

In 2019, USA Judo partnered with several state blind schools to offer Paralympic Judo instruction to blind and visually impaired students. Currently, several state blind schools from coast to coast are introducing Paralympic Judo to their students. The state blind school program is funded through a generous grant from United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, which covers mats, gi’s, membership in USA Judo, written lesson plans and coach stipends.

The goal of the state blind school program is to build a talent pipeline for future USA Judo Paralympic teams.  The Baltimore School for the Blind offers Paralympic Judo instruction twice a week, with lessons typically lasting for one-hour.

Coach Veader said, “Several of his students are cross training in judo to improve their wrestling skills while others are interested in fitness training.”

Pictured in the rear center is Teddy Riner and front second from the right, Mike Veader, club coach. 

For further information on the program, contact Lauren Roersma at lauren.roersma@usajudo.us or Ed Liddie at eddie.liddie@usajudo.us.