Joseph Bock

Teaches at Santa Monica College

Joe Bock is a retired engineer who was uncoordinated as a child but motivated to play sports anyway. His lack of ability in sports was detrimental to his self esteem. Upon retiring 5 years ago he set out to help people like himself. Through the LA Department of Recreation and Parks he organized a program for kids called “Basketball for the Athletically Challenged” which has helped many kids. He is also taking Kinesiology courses. Through his experience and course work he is convinced that the way to help is to play games where you meaningfully participate. Normally these kids miss out on participating because of their poor athletic ability and the reluctance of other people to pass to them. By playing with people at their level they get a chance to play more. This class is an attempt by Joe to set up an adult group similar to what he has been doing for kids. Joe has also been working with kindergarten kids and is involved in research on motor skills and athletic ability.