Judo |07 February 2023

Coach Jeanne during the first session with a group of toddlers last Saturday (Photo: Roland Duval)

Etoile Club launches ‘Baby Judo’ programme

• Promoting self-discipline, self-respect, and courtesy toward others

Already well established at primary and secondary schools, as well as at senior level, the Etoile judo club is now providing a new platform for toddlers to get acquainted to the sport, with the prospect attracting more interests, thus laying the foundation for the successful future of local judo.

The Anse Etoile-based club on Saturday launched its ‘Baby Judo’ programme, targeting toddlers aged below five years old. Other than attracting their interests and possibly target building their physical fitness, the programme will also help to improve the children’s focus, develop positive attitudes about sports in general, and increase self-esteem, self-discipline, self-respect, and courtesy toward others.

According to coach Nady Jeanne, even if the kids do not take up judo as their sport of choice, the experience gained will help them to become, and behave better, both at school and at home, while it will also boost their childhood development in a more positive manner.

He explained that in terms of physical health benefits, the programme, which is made up of mostly suited physical activities, will help them to build healthy and strong muscles early on, improve their cardio, and lower their cholesterol, thus reducing risks of childhood obesity, along with heart-related complications.

Classes are conducted every Saturday at the Roche Caïman dojo, and parents can bring their children for a monthly fee of R200.

According to researches, children’s concentration has increased exponentially after they start practicing judo because they get used to following very detailed and specific instructions from their teachers, paired with focusing deeply on their techniques of movements.

Studies have also shown that children who are hyperactive or who suffer from attention deficit disorders benefit immensely from the disciplined environment of judo.

Kids who have attention problems will take judo classes and the difference in their focus is night and day.

They feel like they really want to learn and they’re really engaged, which pushes them to focus more. That can even be seen as therapeutic and helpful as they grow older and need to concentrate at school or work.

Judo, like many other martial arts, combines physical activity, self-defence skills, and discipline, and is an excellent sport for children to learn for many different reasons, including to become more physically healthy, mentally well, and also to build confidence, self-esteem, and respect for others.

Roland Duval