By FRED STURRUP, NG Associate Editor

The sport of judo's profile in The Bahamas will be enlarged this weekend with world-noted Rhadi Ferguson in the spotlight. Bahamas Judo Federation President D'Arcy Rahming is on a quest to expand the program and make a greater connection with the Bahamian public. Recently, he acknowledged a need for a greater focus on public relations to better acquaint the nation with what's going on in the sport.

The success of judo in the country is really a well-kept secret, so, the judo federation hierarchy is reaching out to people like Ferguson. According to Rahming, Ferguson has strong Bahamian roots (through grandparents) and delights in the opportunity to pass on some of his extensive knowledge and judo skills.

Ferguson is to host a mixed martial arts seminar this coming Saturday (October 4) at All-Star Karate on Joe Farrington Road beginning at 4:00 p.m. The event, which will be a funds provider for the federation, will expose judo participants and supporters to an elite athlete in the person of Ferguson. A former Olympian (2004 in Athens) and current Brazilian Jujitsu World Champion, Ferguson's background is extensive.

"Rhadi is an internationally renowned coach for elite Olympic athletes and mixed arts fighters. He has a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering and brings an analyst's mind to the fight game, which is the approach a small country like The Bahamas needs in order to win," said Rahming when making the announcement about the sport's standout.

Martial arts in The Bahamas is ready for a huge take-off. Saturday's event will be an elevating factor.

An image booster also, has been the mercurial rise of Bahamian Kimbo Slice. He has very quickly attained rock star status in mixed martial arts and is arguably the biggest star in the mixed martial arts family in our region, inclusive of all of North America. This is certainly a wonderful opportunity that is available to the BJF and its martial arts associate organizations.

This is indeed the moment in time for The Bahamas. Slice, whenever he performs, carries the Bahamian colors and has become quite a sports ambassador for the country via his televised matches. Incidentally, his official name is Kevin Ferguson. There is now a certain aura about martial arts in the country that was not here a year ago.

This weekend, with Rhadi Ferguson interacting with locals and at the same time connecting with his roots, his presence will be a plus for the sport of judo in particular and Bahamian sports development in general. Rahming of course hopes to propel the local program to the Olympic level.

The two Fergusons in their respective ways can only help in the process. Members of the sports fraternity and others interested in exciting wholesome entertainment can make their contributions to the judo federation by putting in an appearance at Saturday's seminar.