“What sport should my child take up when school starts?” That’s the question many parents ask themselves every summer when it comes to their child’s sporting activities. Find out why sign your child up for judo? What are the benefits? What you need to know before signing up, and much more!
1. Judo, an essential sport
Judo is one of the world’s leading sports, attracting some 20 million practitioners of all ages. In Europe, it occupies a prominent place, particularly in France, where it counts some 550,000 members, making the country one of the most passionate judo nations after Japan.
Germany, with 150,000 members, also bears witness to the scale of the sport on the continent, while Italy, with 120,000 practitioners, shows a strong and constantly growing dynamic.
This martial art of Japanese origin, combining discipline, respect and self-control, continues to develop and influence millions of people around the world.
Judo is an essential sport and a benchmark for children. When you’re looking for a new sport for youngsters, everyone will advise you to enroll their child in judo.
It is accessible and suitable for young people and people of all ages.
2. Enrolling your child in judo, a school of life
In addition to being a combat sport, judo is a real school of life, particularly suited to young children.
From an early age, children who take part in judo learn essential values such as respect, discipline and self-control. Each session on the tatami is an opportunity to integrate principles of life that go far beyond the simple practice of sport. Respect for opponents, listening to instructions and the importance of effort are all lessons that strengthen character and promote balanced growth.
The fact that all practitioners wear a similar outfit, a judogi, creates a kind of union between them.
Enrolling your child in judo also encourages them to master their emotions, particularly in the face of failure, by learning to get up after every fall. It’s a sport that develops both physical and mental strength, instilling perseverance, humility and a spirit of camaraderie.
This makes judo an ideal activity for forging strong, balanced personalities from childhood onwards, with simple, essential values for everyday life.
“The ultimate aim of Judo is to inculcate in man an attitude of respect for the principles of maximum efficiency and mutual welfare and prosperity, and to lead him to observe these principles.”
Jigoro Kano, inventor of judo
3. Develop physical skills
Judo is an ideal discipline for developing children’s physical abilities. From an early age, this sport involves the whole body, promoting harmonious development.
Specific judo movements, such as throws, controlled falls and immobilizations, strengthen motor coordination, balance and flexibility. Children learn to control their bodies in space, improving their agility and responsiveness. In addition, judo develops muscular strength, particularly in the arms, legs and trunk, while working on breathing and endurance.
The repetitive exercises and rigour of judo also stimulate bone growth and improve posture. In addition, by practising regularly, young judokas increase their ability to concentrate and persevere, contributing to a complete and balanced physical and mental development.
4. Enrolling your child in judo to manage stress
Judo is an excellent tool for learning to manage stress and build self-confidence. On the tatami, children are confronted with a variety of situations that require calm and self-control, even under pressure.
Every sparring match, every exercise is an opportunity to face up to one’s fears and surpass oneself. Judo teaches young practitioners to stay focused, control their emotions and transform stress into positive energy. Through the various stages of progression, marked by the award of belts, children see their efforts rewarded, boosting their self-esteem.
They learn that perseverance and hard work lead to concrete successes, reinforcing their confidence in their abilities. What’s more, respect for partners and cooperation within the dojo create a safe and supportive environment, where everyone can develop at their own pace, away from judgment and social pressure.
5. A sport accessible to all
Judo is a martial art that is truly accessible to all, regardless of age, body type or financial means. Based on the principles of flexibility and efficiency, judo allows everyone to express themselves according to their physical abilities, without the need for brute strength. Whether young or old, slim or robust, every judoka can adapt the techniques to his or her own body, making the sport inclusive and universal.
What’s more, judo doesn’t require expensive equipment: a simple judogi (kimono) and judo belt are all you need to get started. Judo clubs are often financially accessible, with affordable membership fees and initiatives to facilitate access for as many people as possible, especially children.
By promoting the values of respect, discipline and mutual support, judo transcends social and economic barriers, offering everyone the opportunity to blossom, develop physically and mentally, and become part of a strong, supportive community.
Equip your child for back-to-school with Fighting Films!
Judogis for children
