For two hours twice a week, the gym of Ross Community Center is filled with judokas. They are novices, and they are adept; they tumble, wrestle, and train together. Sensei John Hampton started the program 20 years ago and hasn’t missed a practice since. One of the other leaders, Sensei Carey Mount-Castle, said that he “got back into [judo] at 44 when [his] daughter started, and [has] been training non-stop for 19 years.” Today, the dojo competes regularly. Members were preparing for a tournament coming up in April, and two other members are currently travelling in Japan. (Photos by Jeffrey Dreyer)
A novice judoka gets help with his belt on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at the Ross Community Center in Muncie, Ind. (Photo by Jeffrey Dreyer) 
Kevin, a Muncie Firefighter, completes warm up exercises alongside other Judokas on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at the Ross Community Center in Muncie, Ind. (Photo by Jeffrey Dreyer) 
Junior Judokas wait for their turn to practice throws on a crash mat on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at the Ross Community Center in Muncie, Ind. (Photo by Jeffrey Dreyer) 
Trophies won by the Ross Community Center Judo Club on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at the Ross Community Center in Muncie, Ind. (Photo by Jeffrey Dreyer) 
A novice judoka listens to instructions from a Sensei [name not provided] on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at the Ross Community Center in Muncie, Ind. (Photo by Jeffrey Dreyer) 
Omar grins during a warm up exercise on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at the Ross Community Center in Muncie, Ind. (Photo by Jeffrey Dreyer)
Shoot For Good Muncie 
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