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Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (LBPH)

Judo Class
By Nicole Andrews

As I stepped onto the Metro Lift, I felt nervous about the event awaiting me. I sat thinking about the self defense class I was about to attend, and hoped I was ready for it.

As the Metro Lift pulled up to the library where my Judo class was scheduled, my excitement grew. I felt a little nervous as the driver walked me up to the building's doors. We began to walk towards the front desk. A man appeared to my right and asked if I was there for the Judo class. I told him I was and took his arm. The driver turned from me and left the building. We turned left. The man and I walked down the hall. We then entered the room where the instructor was waiting. He turned from whomever he was talking to. I felt the presence of a small group of people near me and my nervousness lessened. After the introductions had been made, he guided me to a chair. He then had me remove my jewelry, socks, and shoes. I wasn't sure what to think! I did as he asked, first removing my jewelry, putting it in my purse and placing it on the chair, then slipping off my socks and shoes. I stuffed my socks into my shoes and put them under the chair.

The instructor guided me to a mat and had me walk around to get the feel of it. A trainer showed me how to sweep my feet as I walked around the mat. I sat down in the middle of the mat where some of the other students were. We talked a bit about what we'd be learning that day and my excitement returned.

Read more of this article from the LBPH Newsletter...

Photos from Judo Class, LBPH program