Judo Coach Master Walter Dean Inducted into Martial Arts Hall of Fame

Anaheim, CA - Master Walter Dean of Carlsbad, CA, formally from Stuart, FL, was recently inducted into the 2011 Masters Hall of Fame in a formal ceremony held at the Anaheim Convention Center. Dean was presented with the prestigious Platinum Life Time Achievement Award, one of the organization’s highest honors.

Master Dean started his martial arts career over 55 years ago and holds a 9th degree black belt in Judo and a 6th degree black belt in Jujitsu. He is internationally recognized for his work coaching athletes for the Paralympics and other world events.

 

Dean is considered an expert at teaching martial arts to blind students and teaching other coaches these methods. Dean was part of the 1996 and 2000 Paralympics teams and has participated in over 15 World Games. The Paralympics is a premiere Olympic-quality sporting event and is run in parallel with the Olympics every four years. Walter Dean also spent many years working with the United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) of Colorado Springs, CO, a leader in sports for the visually impaired. He was head judo coach and member of the Board of Directors.

 

Walter Dean has been selected as the Chief Technical Delegate for the Para Pan Games in Guadalajara Mexico this November, representing the International Blind Sports Association (IBSA) Judo Committee. The Para Pan Games is the selection event for the 2012 Paralympic Games in London, and athletes selected at this event will qualify for a spot at the Paralympic Games.

 

Walter lives in Carlsbad with his wife of 41 years, Ginny, who is also a black belt in Judo. Dean is still involved with Judo on an International level and teaches three to four times a week in San Marcos at the San Diego Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Judo Academy.

 

Dean's lifetime attraction with Judo came from the desire to help children build confidence, gain self esteem and become more disciplined. Walter is the President of the Pacific Southwest Judo Association, a group that helps black belts and judo clubs in the San Diego area develop excellence.

 "When I looked around the room and saw so many men and women that have given so much more to Martial Arts I was truly humbled.”

Master Dean said about this award, "When I looked around the room and saw so many men and women that have given so much more to Martial Arts I was truly humbled.” For press information about the Masters Hall of Fame, please contact Kamatoy Media Group at 619-573-9456.