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By Astrid Bidanec
 It is more important than ever for children to incorporate some kind of physical activities into their daily and weekly schedules. With obesity at an all time high, and drug abuse taking place at many schools, judo offers an effective way to keep our kids not only physically active, but also focused on high standards and morals, and away from trouble.
Photo courtesy of USA Judo
As a former competing athlete and coach I can attest to the benefits of judo firsthand. Even though I was 10 years old when I first started learning it, I watched many youngsters begin at the tender age of 5 and blossom into well balanced and successful teenagers. The most noticeable aspect of judo is certainly the toning of the entire body. Since it is a full contact sport, every single muscle is used and therefore developed, achieving a balance most other sports can not offer. Nevertheless, it is very playful for kids, giving them the opportunity to expend some energy and relieve stress. Moreover, the endurance developed in the process is very valuable for other physical activities. Young children practicing judo can enhance their flexibility for many years to come and improve their reaction speed to any physical threats like an oncoming vehicle or person. This is achieved by teaching the students to react to the other person’s movements. After awhile the body instinctively senses and reacts to any motion within a close range. Aside from the physical benefits, “Judokas,” as anyone practicing judo is called within the martial arts world, can also take pride in their good character and sense of morals. Not only is judo translated from the Japanese language into “The Gentle Way,” it is also taught as pure self defense. Aggression is never tolerated. Instead patience, acceptance and understanding of others are instilled. Even during the training sessions the value of one’s partner is always highlighted, as well as the importance to care about the other person’s well being. In a world where violence and self-centeredness are common, judo can be a candle in the dark, showing our children that there is another way to live one’s life. Growing up as Judoka has no doubt instilled a sense of balance, justice and caring in me that might have been elusive otherwise. Moreover, it kept me away from any negative influences because I spent most of my free time at training or competitions. Needless to say, I have already taken my son to the kids’ training, which he enjoyed tremendously. He has wanted to do judo daily ever since.
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