The opportunities for successful integration in a physical activity like judo increases confidence, peer acceptance, leadership skill, and empathy.  The positive effects of judo go beyond the physical health (wellness) of the participant.  Judo is fun and safe.  Judo practice incorporates judo games and activities which promote a positive environment with socialization and connectivity among the children, even with physical distancing. The influence of social health can continue throughout their lifetime.

The development of character is as important as the physical skill of learning to play judo.  The sensei (teacher) models the attributes of our Champions of Character.  Character traits of humility, respect, perseverance, courage, self-control, friendship and honor are instilled in the judoka (judo student).

Participation in judo provides an excellent mechanical and physiologic base for other sports.  Judo athletes develop higher levels of muscle mass, greater bone density, upper body strength, trunk extension, flexion, and rotational power.  Combining these with above-normal aerobic and anerobic capacity, increased cardiac stroke volume and lower resting heart rate gives the judo athlete an advantage in other sports that emphasize physical speed, coordination, balance and power.  Judo athletes score higher than non-judo athletes on standard physical education assessments in shuttle run, sit-up endurance, sit and reach flexibility, and flex arm hang.

Your child’s progress in judo is measured through a progressive belt rank promotion system which incorporates foundational motor skills as defined by National Physical Educator (SHAPE America) standards used in elementary, middle and high school physical education classes in the United States.

The judo curriculum integrates locomotor and non-locomotor skills, spatial awareness, methods and directions of off-balancing and leveraging, and controlling their training partner or opponent for effective and safe throws, pins, and submissions.  It is not an overstatement to say that these skills and capabilities will give your child the superior physical proficiencies that will facilitate athletic and non-athletic activity throughout their lives.

As your child builds their judo skill set, along with the child’s goals developed in parents’ discussions with their sensei or coach, you will have the opportunity to participate in local, regional and national competition.  The premier summer event, USJF Junior National Judo Championships, has been held every year since 1964.  Many of our World and Olympic champions had their start at this National Championship.