WHY CHOOSE JUDO
What is judo?
Judo is the worlds most popular combat sport. It is a key Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games sport practiced by over 50 million people in over 206 countries. It was developed in Japan in 1882 and is a fun activity for all ages, abilities, body shape and for both boys and girls. Judo involves no kicking or punching and the aim is to physically outmanoeuvre your partner using skilful throwing techniques. A lot of emphasis is placed on discipline and self control and the benefits of judo are numerous.
Apart from having a lot of fun, students will develop confidence, coordination and balance. It is the perfect activity for improving all round physical fitness, improving aerobic capacity, flexibility, stamina and strength.
To find out more take a look at this short International Judo Federation video on the benefits of delivering judo to children in schools.
Why should I consider judo for my school
The sports Founder, Jigoro Kano intended judo to be a structure for mental and physical education. His ultimate vision was to create a better society through the values of the sport. This is why the International Judo Federation believes children who have practised judo at school will be at an advantage all their lives.
Judoka (judo students) are encouraged to adhere the eight core values of judo: Friendship, Honour, Respect, Modesty, Politeness, Courage, Self-control and Sincerity.
To those eight core values, we add a ninth one, which is Fun. Learning is all about fun and equipping children with skills for life. Through regular practice of judo we hope to educate children to maintain the core values; establish goals; have discipline; respect each other and deal with success as well as deal with failure.
We hope judo will also improve their health and well-being by being active and fighting against obesity and against bullying
The classes
Classes will consist of a warm-up and cool-down using a range of fun judo focused activities and movements, then the teaching of specific judo moves followed by controlled practice with a partner. Through regular practice, students will improve their posture and balance, build and strengthen core muscles, improve co-ordination and increase body awareness; all attributes which align to the national PE curriculum, which is focused on developing the foundation ABCs (Agility, Balance and Coordination).
In addition to the physical benefits of learning judo, students will also gain a small insight into Japanese life, culture and language, providing an additional learning opportunity outside of the classroom setting.