Are you a parent looking to enroll your child in a martial arts class? Find out why Judo is a great martial art and sport for your child to learn!
There are several reasons parents choose judo for their children.
We are confident our programs will benefit your children physically, mentally, and emotionally. Our youth program is open to persons ages 6 to 15, and we are always enrolling new students. There is never a bad time to start!
Judo is an olympic sport, a means of physical education, a reliable system of self-defense, and a way of life. Judo is more than a “martial art,” it is a martial way. It develops its practitioners physically, emotionally, and spiritually by teaching respect and honor throughout sport. It literally means “the way of gentleness” in Japanese.
Our youth also learn self-defense moves and techniques that will last them a lifetime. So, while your child is having a blast during each class, you get peace of mind knowing that they are equipped to handle the many situations that life throws their way. No other sport offers great physical activity AND character development. So, give your child the gift of judo today; we are sure you won’t regret it!
With just a few classes, your child will not only have a fun and exciting experience, but will also start experiencing the many benefits that judo offers. Check out these benefits of of your child being involved in this woldwide Olympic sport:
Judo is guided by three fundamental principles:
These principles guide everything we do at Yama Judo. Our goal is to develop each child's potential in a positive environment.
We approach Judo in a safe, systematic way, ensuring that our instruction fits your child’s abilities and confidence level. Our program is not about winning or losing – it is about learning! We do not believe in pushing kids to their limit so that they can become “champs.” Instead, we help our youth learn by teaching proper techniques and instilling moral character and values.
Judo consists of physical conditionimg, learning to fall, throwing techniques, pins/grappling, control holds, and submissions (within age requirements). It does NOT involve striking, kicking, or the use of weapons. Your child will NOT be learning “how to fight,” instead they will learn how to play within a sport environment. Your child will learn valuable skills such as how to safely play with others in the sport, respect and discipline, and how to contribute to the team and community.
Unlike other traditional martial arts, our students actually participate in free practice, known as randori. All the techniques in Judo are fundamentally safe when practiced properly. Randori is a safe means of testing one’s skills against a resisting opponent. In many respects, this is a form of preparation for life’s many obstacles. Just as in life, we do not always have success, but there is always something to learn by winning and losing. By doing randori, students learn how to compete within the rules, develop persistence, resolve, and perseverance.
At its core, Judo develops good character. It teaches students how to face adversity and how to overcome it. It teaches children how to be polite and respectful of each other. As for the physical benefits, kids in Judo develop good strength and are less injury prone. The movements in Judo result in increased flexibility and balance.
Judo also instills good sportsmanship and discipline. Students learn how to work individually and with their team. At the beginning and end of a match, both contestants must bow to their opponent as a sign of respect. These acknowledgements signify their willingness to engage in a competition for each other’s benefit and to respect winning or losing/learning.