All ins and outs if your child wants to do judo as a sport

Is judo a suitable sport for your child? Are you looking for a sport in which your child will also become more resilient - in addition to having a lot of fun with it? And also develops a longer attention span and develops his motor skills? Then I advise you to take a look at a judo class!

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Useful information in advance if your child wants to take up judo as a sport

When children take up combat or defense sports, parents often like it. It's also a nice idea if your child can defend themselves. But judo has many more advantages for children if they practice it as a sport. We list the advantages and disadvantages for you.

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The advantages of judo for your child

• Your child's motor skills improve enormously, this is partly because you learn how to fall and get up in judo. Reaction speed is also being worked on in this sport. In this sport, there are many movements that require the left and right hemispheres of the brain to work together. For example, practicing both left and right techniques. Work is also being done on keeping your balance and speed.
• Teaching discipline and respect. This sport comes from Japan and it shows in the fact that respect and discipline are a big part of judo. For example, children sit cross-legged when the sensei (the teacher) explains exercises. Judo has a strict and clear structure. The dojo (practice mat) is greeted both on arrival and when leaving. At the start and at the end of the lesson, students greet the teacher. And before and after each exercise you greet your partner with judo.
• Children who are insecure or are being bullied are often advised to look at judo. As described above, there are many greeting rituals. Insecure children are taught to look each other in the eye. The attitude of the child is also worked on. Stand firm, head up, which also makes you seem less insecure. Furthermore, the Eastern wisdom also seeps through here. Whoever learns to overcome his sense of inferiority, wins mentally on all points.
• Your child overcomes his fears:through judo children literally learn exercises through trial and error that they found scary or difficult at first and succeed after practice.
• Both condition and strength are built with judo. Just think of lifting or dragging your opponent and all the exercises that are taught. This way your little man or woman builds up some muscles with every workout.

From what age can your child start judo?

There are already associations that offer judo for children from 3 years old. This is also known as preschool judo. Playfully you learn to keep your balance and to stick to the rules. In addition, you learn to fall without pain and use limbs (arms, legs and head) at the same time. Playing around without hurting the other can also be discussed.

A judo season runs parallel to the school season, although you can usually join in between. If a judo exam has just been scheduled, it may be that it is advised to register and start after the exam.

What does your child need to participate in judo?

Children who practice judo are called judoka. Judokas wear a judogi (judo suit) † This is a white suit consisting of trousers and a jacket. A suit that is too long is not useful because your child can trip over the pipes, but too small is not the intention because the opponent must be able to grab you. The judogi is kept closed with a band. Who knows, you may have seen the different colors. This depends on the skills and the exam that the judoka has taken. The sizes of a judo suit are measured in centimeters. If your child is 1 meter, you will need a pack of 100.

Slippers are also necessary for hygiene, something they pay a lot of attention to in judo. Often the rule is:if you go off the mat (this is done barefoot), you pull off the mat once, and put on your slippers.

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What are the approximate costs of practicing judo?

Take into account a quarterly contribution of €40 to €80 for 1 lesson per week.

A suit varies in price. You can score a small size from € 20 and a larger size for € 50. There are associations that offer them second-hand and looking at the marketplace also pays off!

How often do you train in judo

On average, children train for an hour once a week. But there are also gyms where you can go to twice a week as standard.

Are there-on-structural-based competitions?

Yes, most judokas participate in these competitions. A competition is classified according to weight and age. How long the match lasts depends on the competition in which the judoka plays. Juniors play a game of 2 to 4 minutes. More information can be found at the JBN.

What can you expect at a-match-as-parent?

You play a judo match in pairs. Before the match starts, it is agreed which of the two will wear the red or white match belt over his suit. In this way, the referee and the public can better see who has scored a point. The match starts when the command hajime is given. The referee can give a stop command, otherwise play continues. If your child successfully practices learned techniques, he earns points. Think, for example, of a hold that lasts longer than 10 seconds.

Competitions are organized twice a year at the judo schools in our region, in January and in June.

How does that work with the skids and the-ties in judo

Regardless of age, everyone starts with a white belt. There are different levels in judo sport. Your child can reach a higher level with judo by taking an exam. The darker the color of the belt, the better the judoka is.

Tips for the parents of a judoka-to-be

• Set a good example yourself. By being quiet during the lesson and not talking through it or making a phone call, for example, you set a double good example of respect and discipline.
• It is best to tie the tie like this: Hold the band in the middle and wrap it double around your child's waist. And then hit the left end over the right end at the front.
• There are many terms associated with this sport, especially watching during training and listening carefully to your child ... and then you will soon be a real judo connoisseur!