Published: June 14, 2008 11:33 pm      

Bluefield to host basketball camps, martial arts seminar

BLUEFIELD, Va. — Bluefield College will host three summer basketball camps for both girls and boys, including two all-boys day camps, June 23-27 and July 21-25, and an all-girls day camp July 14-18.

Head men's basketball coach Jason Gillespie will host the two basketball camps for boys, June 23-27 and July 21-25.

During both five-day camps, Gillespie and his staff, including current and former Ramblin' Rams, will offer instruction in the fundamentals of the game, teamwork, footwork, competition, motivation, and enthusiasm.

The boys' camps will also feature devotions and lessons in physical fitness and will include camp t-shirts, guest speakers, motivational handouts, and a concession stand.

The boys' workouts will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Campers are asked to bring a packed lunch for a meal break at noon. The costs for the boys' camps are $125 per person per camp.

The five-day summer hoops camp for girls, July 14-18, will provide instruction on the fundamental elements of the game, including ball handling, footwork, and defensive techniques.

Led by Bluefield College head women's basketball coach Steve Hardin and his staff, including current members of the Lady Rams squad, the girls-only camp will also offer inspirational lectures and advice on teamwork, enthusiasm, and competition.

The July 14-18 camp is open to girls ages five to 17 and will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. The cost for the girls' camp is $90.

For camp registration forms or for more information,, including discounts for siblings and early drop-off and late pick-up arrangements, visit the Bluefield College web site at www.bluefield.edu/summercamps or call the school at (276) 326-4212.



Bluefield to host martial arts seminar

BLUEFIELD, Va. — Bluefield College will host a martial arts seminar, featuring Kung Fu masters Liu Chang and Kimo Wall, Saturday and Sunday, July 19-20 in the Dome Gymnasium.

The two-day seminar, scheduled to run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days, is open to intermediate to advanced martial artists. The seminar is part of a tour from Los Angeles to New York conducted by Wall from June to September.

The goal of the seminar is to help any martial artist develop power and skill. Chang will instruct on the application of self-defense forms and the Feeding Crane technique. Chang is heir to the technique, a root of Okinawan Karate. Chang will also demonstrate Kung Li, which focuses on power development exercises.

"We want to show people how to take their own Kata or forms and apply them in self defense," said BC's Doug Minnix, a professor of exercise science and faculty advisor for the school's Karate Club.

During a recent interview with the Dragon Times, a magazine devoted to Karate enthusiasts, Chang stated, "Of course I would like to spread feeding Crane Gung Fu widely, but I realize at the same time that I should not make it too popular, otherwise its value could decline.

“It is a complete martial art that requires a great deal of effort to learn but one that is tremendously effective and that retains, if you like, the secret power of boxing, Gong Li."

Wall's web site states he began training in Okinawa at the age of six.

He was also stationed in Okinawa during his service in the United States Marine Corps where he continued his training. He has since lived in Hawaii, Taiwan, Okinawa, and Singapore.

According to Wall’s web site, his wish for martial artists is that they "..train hard, train often, and live a long, healthy, and happy life."

For more information or to reserve your spot in the two-day seminar, call 276-326-4212. Space is limited. Visit www.kimowall.netfirms.com for more information about Chang or Feeding Crane Kung Fu.