What conscientious and caring parent wouldn’t want their children to learn how to defend themselves?

 …ESPECIALLY in this day and age!

Originally developed by the legendary “Japanese Samurai Warriors”, modern judo has evolved into a popular sport and discipline which with the correct training can be an awesome weapon to possess. However, modern Judo is far more than JUST a way of defending yourself, and offers the student many additional and far reaching benefits.

Here are just a few of them…

It’s GREAT fun: Almost EVERY child just loves to rough and tumble and what could be better than channeling their excess energy into a confidence-building skill that will benefit your child for the rest of their life.

Fitness: Judo as a sport helps builds psychical strength as well as agility and stamina (just take a look at some of our HIGH LEVEL teenage players) and you will understand what I mean. More importantly, it also helps to develop a strong character and a disciplined mind. It promotes lightening reactions, teaches creative strategy development and independent thought.

Self-confidence: Having the knowledge that you are VERY CAPABLE of defending  yourself gives students HUGE levels of self-confidence which works its way into every area of their lives!

Self-discipline: Most students who are encouraged by their parents and want to advance in the sport usually have their eye firmly fixed on one day achieving a converted black belt. There are no shortcuts, and every belt or tab the students gain requires EFFORT and has to be earned. The higher the grade or belt the more effort that is required. This self-discipline often rubs off into other areas of the judokas (judo student’s) life.

A WHOLESOME environment: The dojo (the place where judo is practiced) is a safe, healthy environment which leaves the serious student little time for mixing with those who may be a bad influence upon them or introduce them to unsocial habits.  In fact judo promotes and encourages leadership so the possibility of involvement with street gangs and other similar bad influences is considerably reduced.

Independence:  Judo by its very ethos promotes and develops high levels of self-reliance within the student which once again rubs off into other areas for their life and schoolwork.

Character building: Many shy or timid children begin to blossom immediately after joining judo clubs and learning the basic skills that begin to swell their levels of self-esteem.

Social development: Judo is very much about attitude and respect. It begins with learning and developing the right attitude which is EVERYTHING for success in life. Respecting the teachers and fellow students who we train with by looking after them and helping their advancement in the same way as others will do for us. The serious student can look forward to developing many strong bonds and friendships that are likely to last them a lifetime.

Standards and morals: The art of Judo promotes an ethos of respect and self-discipline where the student will be encouraged to be all they can be in every area of their life.

Although judo requires a high level of discipline to advance to the higher grades, Bradley Stoke Judo Club is a friendly and warm environment where children of all ages will quickly make friends and be encouraged to become the best that they can be by advancing at the speed which suits them.