Name: Jan D. Finkbeiner Styles: Judo, Jujitsu, Muay Thai Rank: Judo (5th dan) Godan / Jujitsu (6th dan)/ Muay Thai training School: Joseki Judo & Jujitsu of ** AAA & JJJ, Inc.

Q. How long have you been practicing the Martial Arts?

A. 34 Years

Q. What arts have you studied?

A. Judo, jujitsu, kung fu, aikido & muay thai.

Q. How and why did you start studying the martial arts?

A. I have been in athletics. Baseball, football, track, wrestling, boxing, and rock climbing. After graduating high school in 1972 I began judo. I wanted to try something different. After seeing judo for the first time, I knew it was for me.

Q. Who have you studied under? Where have you studied?

A. I started in 1972 under Sensei & Officer Lanny Reed in Williamsport, Pa. Sensei Reed is a former member of the US Airforce World Team. While there, I met O sensei Ishikawa now 10th dan in Japan. O sensei is an Olympic Gold Medalist and former World Heavyweight Champion. I had the opportunity to study under O sensei over the years. In 1983 I attended the U.S. National Training Camp. There I met and trained under Olympic Coach Willy Cahill with many other national coaches and competitors.

Q. Could you tell us about what you plan to share at your seminar?

A. I have worked with a number of law enforcement and correctional officers over the years. Escalation of force is paramount in this environment. Control the situation, position yourself, know when to react. Since striking is restricted in many situations, throws, takedowns, throws, cranks & locks are used. Once contract is made "continue control".

Q. How has your Judo and jujutsu changed over the years?

A. I competed for over 20 years at the state, national & international levels. Early on I depended on hard training and physical wellness. Over the years, injuries, age and hopefully a little wisdom all played a part in defining what I do.

Q. What are your personal beliefs about training?

A. Train smart, train hard, train often. Work with others!!Believe in yourself and your technique.

Q. What do you feel is the proper ratio of randori, Uchi Komi, kata and self-defense in training?

A. First, kata, Learning the movement of any technique. Second, uchi komi or repetition of that technique. (Repetition of technique defines talent level.) Third, randori or free fighting you must work the techniques with resistance to solidify their worth. After time I believe all of these aspects are equally utilized.

Q. Do you have any funny or interesting martial arts stories you would like to share?

A. Some years ago a male student of mine was being called onto the judo mat at a competition. After many announcements he failed to show for his match. At the last second he ran onto the mat ready to demolish his opponent. However, before the match could start the referee had to remove the long and gracefully flowing toilet paper from the backside of his gi pants.

Q. How do you feel about full contact kick boxing and the mixed martial arts?

A. I believe it is needed. One of my students is a former undefeated professional Muay Thai fighter. He and I are working together to blend our styles and to find what is most effective.

Q. Have you trained in any other martial arts?

A. My father was a boxer so I started boxing at the age if 6 and continued into my twenties. I enjoyed Kung Fu for 4 years under two teachers who trained in China. I also tried my hand at Aikido for two years.

Q. How do you believe the different arts that youhave studied have blended?

A. I feel they have blended well. But not all of the techniques I learned in these arts work. I chose what did work and trained that way. In the end we are all products of our training.

Q. What advice would you give to others who would like to study more than one martial art?

A. It can work if you choose the right combination of arts. I blend judo, jujitsu, boxing & muay thai together because of the basic stances and movement.

Q. Do you have any programs or events that you would like to promote or talk about?

A. I'm looking forward to this upcoming event at O sensei Capela's school in Erie, Pa. I hope for a good turnout.

Q. Could you tell us about your school and its programs?

A. We are located at the Rosehill Plaza on Old Route 22 in Altoona, Pa. We offer classes in Olympic judo and combat jujitsu. My business partner Dr. Dave Hurtubise teaches Aikido and holds a black belt in jujitsu. My wife, Christina holds black belts in judo, jujitsu and is working on a black belt in Aikido. We opened in November of 2004. Since then we have had a number of clinics. Among quests are Olympic Coach and 1996 Olympian Merrisa Pedula. Dave Loshelder 1991 & 1992 #1 judo competitor in the US. Clyde Takaguchi 8thdan Aikido and #2 man in the US in Aikido. As of late Master Mullins and crew have been trading clinics at our schools.

Q. Is there any one you would like to thank or send a message to?

A. Yes. Master Mullins, Mr. Celli and Grand Master Steve Capela.

Q. Do you have any advise for the martial arts students who will read this?

A. Yes. #1 show up on time for practice. #2 Train to your physical capacity. #3 listen to your instructor(s).
Last, may I quote Grand Master Jigoro Kano the founder of judo. "Train for others for it promotes mutual benefit and welfare.

Thank you for your time