Determination is key for judokas
The White River Judo Club recently moved to the old Scouts Hall and are encouraging people to come and share in the excitement of the sport.
It’s amazing to see a girl take down an opponent much larger than she is, especially when she does it with complete confidence. This was the case several times at the White River Judo Club’s practice last week.
The club, which was established last year, recently moved to the old Scouts hall, next to the Moth Hall and would like to invite more members to join.
Judo, meaning gentle way, orginates from Japanese martial arts or ju-jitsu. It was developed into a sport that teaches one how to overcome the forces of size to control and defeat an opponent. It was established in 1882 and has grown to become an Olympic sport. It consists of grappling moves and throws and is quite exciting to watch. During the practice it was clear that no matter what situation or secure hold they were in, the judokas were determined to win and managed to wiggle themselves out of seemingly impossible positions.
As a sport, it helps to develop your reflexes and hand-eye coordination and teaches discipline, positivity and determination. Like most sports, it helps to get you fit and healthy and is a great way to make friends.
Sensei Anthony Theron said judokas were very disciplined, taught to follow the strict rules of their dojo, treat each other with respect and help each other obtain their goals. Teamwork was also key as judokas had to work together to learn new techniques. Theron said he had been doing judo for 17 years and was passionate about the sport.
The club also has a world-class judoka, Michaela Grove, who will compete abroad next week. Anyone older than six years is encouraged to join and the class consists of different categories, age groups, races and both girls and men. Theron adjusts the training according to the judokas’ proficiency.
If you’re interested in the sport, you need an old T-shirt and tracksuit pants or a martial-arts suit to begin with. If you decide to seriously take up judo, you can look into buying the correct gear, he advises.
If you have more questions or would like to see what the sport is like, you are welcome to drop by the practices on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 18:00 in the old Scouts hHall next to the Moth Hall or contact Theron on 082-856-4430.
