What can Judo do for you?

"My daughter begged me to let her join the afterschool judo program when she was in the second grade. Thinking it was another one of her short lived fascinations and not wanting another commitment in an already maxed out schedule, I said no. She whined, as I expected, and then dropped the subject for the rest of the school year, with only the occasional reminder as we strapped on skis (and then in summer, shin pads) that she'd still prefer to do judo.

When third grade started, she once again begged me to let her join the dojo, and effectively presented the argument that it was held in the gym after school, it was cheaper than skiing, she already had friends from class there, and promised to keep up with her own gear. How could I say no? I was still pretty sure the first time she got hurt or lost a match she'd be begging to un-join judo.

Instead, my daughter embraced judo with both arms (and legs) and finished the season with a first place in her bracket at the Alaska State tournament. This year, as a fourth grader she placed second, and is currently in training to compete in the Junior National tournament in Florida. She works out on the mat twice to three times a week, runs a mile a day and stays on top of her schoolwork. She's enthusiastic about fitness, about competition, about doing her best and being a part of a team. She is only ten years old."

"My son began judo when he was about 9 or 10 years old. He was not yet physically well coordinated and judo offered him an opportunity to learn how to control his body and gain confidence in his physical ability. I attributed his willingness to try new sports in middle school directly to his time with judo. In his own words, judo taught him what it takes to be an athlete.

The Sensei's at Anchorage Dojo were outstanding. They are excellent role models for the youth they work with and provide them with lots of encouragement while teaching skills, sportsmanship and being responsible for ones actions. The Sensei's are safety conscious and monitor work outs and practices carefully. I cannot commend them enough."