Philosophy on Junior Judo classes
Judo is a difficult sport to learn with numerous skill-sets. Our philosophy with students this young is that any activity must be fun and interesting for the child or they won’t absorb the activity. We must also get the students set down the path of learning Judo in a way that is safe and the least frustrating for all. So the kids get used to listening to the instructors and following along with the class. Also kids are taught skill-sets in small pieces with games built around them so that the kids absorb the skills quickly and permanently. We have two big rules we try to get across to the kids: “Try your best”…especially on things you’re not good at-it’s the only way you’ll get better at them & “Have fun”. With these ideas in mind we hope to see all kids set down the proper path to learn Judo and have fun practicing it for the rest of their lives.
Young Kids Classes – Register for Free Classes
For students that are 5 to 7 years of age, the class focuses primarily on developing the most fundamental skills that young students require to effectively learn Judo. This is a fun-filled class designed to teach the kids through games and quick-changing drills. Examples of fundamental skills learned are: basic coordination, balance, hand-eye and foot-eye coordination and spatial awareness. Basic hold-downs, falling, and throwing techniques are taught in this class. This class includes a few rounds of sparring on the ground for hold-downs.
Junior Kids Classes – Register for Free Classes
Designed for ages 7 to 10 years old. This class is focused on the fundamental skills of Judo in a piece-by-piece methodology so that these young students can still learn proper form. This class is designed to help prepare kids for the Juniors Class which typically begins at age 8. Because the kids in this program are more mature, we are able to focus on more of the details of the throwing techniques. This class will have sparring on the ground with hold-downs and also separate rounds of sparring with throws. Occasionally this class will have tournament style matches to help the students get a better idea of the bigger picture for how all the techniques come together in one fantastic and dynamic system.
However, starting at these ages can really make a huge difference in the type of Judo they develop as well as their character. So we teach the kids the skills in a deconstructed format. We break down the ultimate skill into individual parts and have them drill the parts separately. Then, we bring the pieces back together to build up the final skill-set. This creates a stronger skill in the kids and less frustration along the way for the kids as they are learning. Not only are we teaching skills of Judo but we are also educating them on the concepts of “Mutual Welfare and Benefit” (Teamwork) & “Maximum Efficiency of the use of the Mind and Body”. Another one of the big ideas every student is taught is: “Hard Work Pays Off”. With this idea learned, the students will be successful in whatever they decide to do in their futures!
Class is designed for students just starting out and for those not considering competition at this time. The class focuses on the individual techniques of Judo with only a few rounds of sparring. The class is kept light and fun while still teaching the core principles of Judo.
Progression to Teenager Classes
For students who are just starting Judo but would like to compete eventually, the junior’s class is the place to start. Once they have learned the basics, they may progress over to other junior classes with instructor permission.
This class is focused on teaching Judo skills as well as teaching the competitive techniques and strategies that will help students prepare for tournaments. This class includes rounds of various types of sparring to better allow students to learn to work their skills in live scenarios. It is NOT mandatory that all students in this class compete in outside tournaments, however, it is strongly encouraged.
Students in the Advanced Juniors class can remain in this class and compete at all levels…from local tournaments to national championships. Once they reach 12 years old and/or 100 pounds, the will be considered for transfer to into the adult program.
The Adult program includes choking techniques in its curriculum which is a group of techniques allowed for tournament-play for ages 13 years and older. Therefore, students who turn 13 must move up to the Adults program.
Students moving from the Juniors program into the Adults will normally move into the Adult Competitor class. Students who are not competition-oriented or have only been in the Juniors classes a short while should move into the Adult Technical class.
