Why do Judo?

Judo is a fun and safe sport suitable for people of all ages.

It's especially beneficial for children, improving:

• Fitness & Flexibility
• Co-ordination
• Respect for others
• Self-confidence
• Discipline & Behaviour
• Strength

Here's what some leading coaches and champions think of judo ...

NICOLA FAIRBROTHER
Koka Kids Editor
1993 world champion, 1992 Olympic silver medallist, 3x European Champion, 6th Dan

"I believe that all sports are great for kids. However judo has got to be amongst the best of them all. Maybe I'm biased but I think judo, is rather special and it's unlike many sports, as it really is a sport that everyone can do, no matter size, shape or age. Because of the large range of techniques and ways of doing each technique, everyone can find something to suit them.

"You don't have to be exceptionally talented, or have amazing physical potential ... any dedicated person can become a really good judoka ... and if they want it badly enough, even a champion.

"Judo helps your fitness levels and is an all-over work-out. Any typical judo session includes exercises that improve cardio vascular, endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, core stability and co-ordination. And also, many people find that lessons learnt on the mat help you in every aspect of life - increased confidence, self-respect, discipline and respect for other people."

"Judo is a great sport for children of all ages to participate in for a number of reasons. Right from the very first lesson the kids are learning about elements of the Japanese culture and the history of our sport. They learn about discipline, cleanliness and ettiquette and about good sportsmanship and respect for others.

"Often you can see the increased confidence in those children that once lacked confidence and self esteem. And also, Judo is truly a sport for all because it does not matter what body shape you have or level of fitness you can still achieve.

"Judo is not only a sport it is an education for life too."

"Enrolling your child in Judo could be the best thing you have ever done for your child. If you think your child could benefit from any of the following, I urge you to enroll them in Judo today;

• Greater academic achievement
• Unshakable self-respect
• Increased strength and fitness, in both mind and body
• Increased confidence and self-discipline

"Judo is a wonderful and great sport to learn. It helps you to develop many different skills such as discipline, team work, co-ordination skills, having correct attitude towards others and sense of belonging to a club.

"And you can also have lots of fun doing this great sport ...."

"I think Judo is good for kids because it keeps them fit and supple, while at the same time it teaches them discipline and how to control their tempers.

"For the slightly older girls it also teaches them a little self defence, which in this day and age is always good to know.

"I personally like judo because I like the thrill of being able to throw or hold somebody who is a lot bigger or stronger than me. Also through Judo I have been able to travel the world and visit lots of countries that I otherwise wouldn't have been able to do. "

"I started Judo at the age of 7 and it has been part of my life ever since. The first thing I was taught was how to land safely when I fell, a trick that helped me not only on a judo mat but in the school playground as well.

"Another lesson, which I use in every day life, but comes from early judo lessons is discipline and respect. It's very easy to get angry in life much harder to control your thoughts and remain positive, but this is the basis of most martial arts, especially Judo-"the gentle way".

"The confidence instilled by being able to perform moves both in Newaza and Tachiwaza gives you confidence in your self to perform other difficult tasks, whether they are at school in a class room or on a Judo mat in a competition hall.

"All of these qualities from Judo are great, but the most important ones have yet to be mentioned. The enjoyment that can be gained from this form of exercise coupled with making new friends in the Dojo are the most important parts of Judo.

"Judo is a great sport for kids to get in to, as for me I am now a 26-year-old kid still having as much fun as when I first stepped on the tatami all those years ago! "

"With all the other martial arts around, sometimes a kid is enrolled into Judo, without their parent or them knowing what they are getting into. On the first day of class the child expects to see a ninja turtle or Bruce Lee type teaching the class, well in my case, according to the press, they encounter a Firm Mother Goose.

"I have been teaching Judo to children and adults for almost a half century, and still enjoy the shine in their eyes as they line up with pride to bow in on the mat at the beginning of the class. During my evolution as a Judo teacher - Sense i- coach, I came to understand that everyone is not going to make the Olympic team or for that matter be a great Judo competitor.

"I always go back to basics and the roots of what attracted me to the sport as well as what I derived from Judo. It is basic and universal. We all need structure in our life, children are grateful for structure, and find that in the dojo. Pride is the main element for self esteem. Kids need to feel good about themselves, where else can you feel so good, after completing your first good fall, rollout or throw.

"Respect can be taught immediately in Judo, hopefully with a fair explaination. I let them know it is for mutual respect, a greeting, and getting your focus for Judo in gear. Focusing is all important. With all the distractions, things on children minds, drifting off to never-never land or playing with their toes, the practice of Judo helps them focus, or you will hear Sensei bellow your name, to get you back on track. It becomes a good habit for the children for other classes in school as well.

"Strong, flexible, healthy bodies and minds are benefits they will have forever if they continue their practice, or even go off to another sport as they get older. Cross-training in more than one sport is lots of fun, as they usually excel in any other sport they choose once they have had the Judo experience.

"Judo for kids is really a great equalizer, as no matter what, that day at Judo practice, everyone has done something right. It is most important to let them know that. The kids hear this from me especially if they had a bad day at a competition, you are all winners because you practice Judo and never give up. You have the spirit of a true champion. The medal is not as important as your continuance of your practice, as eventually the awards will come to you.

"They feel good, I feel good after a fun, hard workout. With the bow out at the end of class, the shine of their eyes is even greater."

"Judo is an exciting sport. There are lots of reasons for playing Judo but the best one is that It's good fun.

"Judo players have a great feeling of belonging to a special group. It teaches children good manners, respect for each other and builds confidence and self esteem.

"It's an ideal physical activity for all children."

"Judo is a wonderful sport for a child to do because it teaches them a huge variety of skills. A child that trains at judo regularly becomes disciplined and organised. A child's confidence also grows incredibly with the amount of time they attend judo.

"I was a very quite child before I started judo, but in order to be successful at my judo I needed to stand out and this ability is what builds your confidence. I am not a quiet person now!!

"It also enables a child to think on their feet because a judo fight is unpredictable and you need to be able to instantly think of a counter to your opponents attack! Therefore you should be able to deal with anything you are faced with!

"Judo is also a sport which is extremely good fun. You meet a huge variety of people doing judo. Judo gives you the opportunity to make lots of good friends as well as making you feel part of a team. I have made many friends in judo and they are still my friends now, ten years later!!!

"You also get to travel worldwide with judo. I have been all over the world to compete; such as Europe, America, China, Japan and Mauritius and it has all been for free!

"Judo is also fun and interesting because every time you do it, it is different. Every fight is different and unpredictable so there is always the element of surprise. Judo is the best sport in the world!"

"Judo has everything for kids.

"You really can list dozens of good physical and character building reasons for children to play Judo but when it comes down to it, it's about five or six-year-old kids rolling around on a mat having fun and leading right up to people winning World and Olympic Gold Medals and still having fun.

"Everything in between is just 'pure magic' and the five-year-old bouncing around on the mat is where it all begins!"