Saturday, December 22, 2012

Judo for Kids

Lately, I've been wondering about judo for kids.
I got a lot out of my brief encounter with the art when I was about eight. I still use some of the basics from those classes in a little school in the woods. This was why I had to quit, actually, the location was too remote to have a sensei in to teach on any sort of regular basis. But my hip throws stayed with me; my scarf holds always a playfight go-to.
Currently, my five-year-old son does karate. He is learning to kick, punch, block, and keep his guard up while doing all these. He has done a couple of throws; a bit of play wrestling. But for some reason, at some point, I have this gut feeling to let him decide if he wants to explore judo, as well. It might just be a result of my own good experiences with the sport; it might be that I feel it would round out his training. And don't get me wrong, I'm in no rush to ask him. He's a busy little lad: hockey, soccer, karate, and, oh yeah, school. But at some point, if his interest is there, I'd love to give him the chance to do judo. 
The funny part is, I don't think I have it in me to explore judo again. Not right now. We cover a lot of judo in my jiu-jitsu classes, to be sure, and I find training hard enough now that my time goes mainly to my two boys. Plus, I have a date with aikido... the where and when to be determined...
But my judo cravings are there, but that tale is not for this post.
I'd just hate to be one of those parents who wants their kid to be a pro hockey player because they, themselves, failed to make it. So I'm learning to let go; I'm learning to open doors for my sons, and not close others in the process.
But at some point I'm going to ask, my gut just tells me to do so.
And whatever he says will be the right answer, I am sure.

2 comments:

  1. It seems to me that Judo would be a pretty practical thing for a kid to learn.

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  2. My parents made me play the violin for a few years before I was ten years old. I hated practicing it, but the events were fun and made for a fun adventure traveling to meet the teacher. I don't remember anything really about playing, but I'm so happy my parents got me into it, and even more happy they let me quit when I wanted. Blessed with options is a good place to be. Sounds like your kid is going to be quite the rennaisance warrior! Great post.

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