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USABA Head Judo Coach Promoted to 9th Degree Black Belt
By Nicole Jomantas // U.S. Association of Blind Athletes // June 15, 2005
(Colorado Springs, Colo.) – After dedicating more than 50 years to the sport of judo, U.S. Association of Blind Athletes Head Judo Coach Walter Dean (La Costa, Calif.) recently was promoted by the United States Judo Association to the rank of 9th degree black belt (Kudan).
Dean, one of only seven persons in the United States to be elevated to this level, also was given the title of Professor in the Art of Judo.
"Walt Dean has been a major factor in the development of American judo throughout his career…Rank is a reflection of knowledge and contributions to the overall development of our sport," said James Bregman, President of the USJA and a 1964 Olympian. "I am happy and very proud to have supported Walt’s Kudan promotion as an example of what it means to be a leader and what it means to "pass it forward" to the next great generations. It is a small but fitting tribute in recognition of years of dedication and passion for the activity."
As USABA’s Head Judo Coach, Dean has taught skills to hundreds of blind and visually impaired judokas, from new athletes to Paralympians. Dean also served as the U.S. Judo Team Leader at the 1996 and 2000 Paralympic Games.
"Walt has been an incredible asset to USABA over the years and was instrumental in the success of our judo team in Atlanta, Sydney and beyond," said USABA Executive Director Mark Lucas (Colorado Springs, Colo.).
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