Jigoro Kano developed Judo, a modern Japanese martial art, in the late nineteenth century. It is a combat sport that emphasises throwing and grappling techniques, as well as mutual welfare and respect for oneself and others. Judo is a popular competitive sport as well as a form of physical and mental training all over the world. It is now the case that Judo for Kids has become a popular activity with people looking to start their kids on a Judo Journey , read on to learn the benefits of Judo and much more.
Judo training typically includes learning throwing, pinning, choking, and joint-locking techniques, as well as randori, or free-style sparring. Furthermore, Judo training emphasises etiquette, respect, and discipline, all of which are considered essential aspects of the sport’s philosophy.
The Top 6 benefits of Judo for Kids:
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Great Physical Fitness:
One of the most significant benefits of Judo for kids is the physical fitness it provides. Judo involves various movements and exercises that can help children improve their strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility. These skills are essential for maintaining a healthy body and mind.
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Develops Self-discipline and respect:
Another important advantage of Judo for children is the development of self-discipline and respect. Judo teaches children to follow rules and procedures, to act appropriately in a dojo, and to respect themselves and others. These values aid in the development of good habits and morals that will serve them well throughout their lives.
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Better Self-esteem:
Through setting and achieving goals, kids learn to trust in their abilities, which has a positive impact on other areas of their lives, such as school and personal relationships.
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Better Social Skills:
In addition to physical and moral benefits, Judo can also help kids develop valuable social skills. They learn how to communicate effectively, cooperate with others, and build friendships through training and competitions.
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Mental Toughness:
The challenges and obstacles kids face during training and competitions helps them learn to push through difficult situations and develop a “never give up” attitude, which is a valuable skill for success in any area of life.
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Intelligence:
Becoming a great judoka not only requires great technique and strength but more importantly intelligence. Judo provides a more equal environment for training when it comes to size/strength differences. As a result Judo isn’t just about who is the strongest or fastest but who can apply the best strategy and capitalise on the mistakes of their opponents.
Is Judo good for kids to learn?
Yes, judo is a beneficial martial art for kids to learn due to its emphasis on self-discipline, physical fitness, and character development. Research suggests that practicing judo can improve children’s balance, coordination, and overall fitness, as well as promote self-confidence and provide a sense of responsibility. However, as with any physical activity, it is important for children to receive proper instruction and supervision to avoid injury.
To find out what to expect from a beginners children Judo class see this video from ClickonJudo.
What are the Risks of Judo for Kids?
Some of the potential risks include sprains, strains, bruises, and even fractures. In addition, children may be at risk of overexertion, especially if they are not accustomed to regular physical activity. It is important for coaches and parents to ensure that children are practicing appropriate techniques and using proper protective gear, such as judo gis and padding, to minimize the risk of injury.
If this is a concern but you still want your child to practice a martial art. Consider Aikido, regarded as the safest martial art – read our article on it here
What is the best age to start Judo?
5-6 Is the age at which kids have developed enough motor skills to start significantly benefiting from attending Judo classes. However more fundamental classes are sometimes offered for kids as young as 3 years old which build up their confidence.
What age can kids do judo?
3 years old is the earliest a child can enrol in most Judo programs. Their lessons will consist of building up their motor skills and fundamentals, which will give them an advantage when transitioning to fully learning Judo techniques.
Is judo good for self-defence for kids?
Judo is one of the best martial arts for self-defence. It utilises body leverage and relies less on raw strength/speed than other combat sports such as boxing, which makes it effective against larger opponents. For kids learning Judo is one of the best foundations to support their self-defence capabilities and any other martial arts they want to pursue in the future.
See our Article on the Top 6 best Martial Arts for kids to make sure you are picking the right one.
Judo or Wrestling for Kids? Which is better?
Both sports are overall great picks, yet they try to achieve different things. If you want your child to learn self-defence, become more agile, and develop fighting intelligence which can be the foundation for a career in martial arts – then Judo is your answer. Whereas wrestling will develop far more strength and allow your child to thrive in sports such as American football while also providing some of the same foundations as Judo.
See our Article on wrestling for an insight.
How to find Judo for Kids near me?
Click to search: Judo for kids near me – to find local Judo dojos.
