What Judo means to me
Judo has many different meanings depending on your grade, position and age. Below is an article from a junior coach Niall Kempson, followed by some slightly younger Judokas outlook on what Judo means for them.
As a young Coach, Judo is obviously much more than a sport to me although it started as one. I began doing Judo nearly four years ago and I thought it would be a good way to do some exercise and meet people. After injuring myself during Ran Dori after performing an ill-fated Tai Otoshi incorrectly I began to get into coaching. As I was unable to train for three months I saw this as a perfect opportunity to better my new knowledge of Judo, and so under the ever-watchful eye of Simon Mazzullo I started to better both my own and others understanding of this great sport.
Since taking my FPJ level 1, I found that coaching is really a hands on job, there is nothing textbook about it. A course may teach you the perfect Morote Seoinage but it’ll never teach you how to control a class of twenty hyperactive six-year olds. Through coaching in schools alongside Simon and my friend Lisa Gaitley I learned that Judo is so much more than merely a sport, a martial art or a way to keep fit. Judo is an entire philosophy. It is a way of living not only in its physical and competitive sense. As Jigoro Kano said:
"Don’t think about what to do after you become strong – I have repeatedly stressed that the ultimate goal of Judo is to perfect the self, and to make a contribution to society" (Kano, 1918).
The same rings true today. We should not be thinking that the power and strength Judo gives us is ours alone and for no one else, we should be thinking about how could we use our power to help and benefit others in our community.
I would urge anyone and everyone to give back to their Judo community, to express an interest in coaching or help your coach out with laying the mats (this was always a problem back in my club), even something so small as a thank you can inspire people to do great things.
Niall Kempson
Caitlin (age 9) says, “I enjoy judo, it is good fun. I go every week. I won a trophy for my good attendance and I get to look after it for four weeks. This is me and my coach Nino Vitanza.”
Jodie (age 9) says, “I go to learn new skills, I have much fun here.”
Kuba (age 11) says, “It’s lots of fun and exercise.”
Jayde (age 12) says, “Judo is a fun activity because it keeps me fit, it teaches me self defence but it is a disciplined sport. I want to carry on until I become a black belt.”
Bianca (age 11) says, “I like judo because it’s a powerful sport which makes you more responsible and respected by other people. I like my judo club because there are lots of people who respect you and help you to keep on going.”
Angel (age 10) says, “In judo I like it when we do different exercises and do the breakfalls.”
We would like to hear from other Young Judoka’s about their meaning of Judo, please forward your information to admin@britishjudocouncil.org.
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