To coincide with World Judo Day on the 28th October, Dojo’s across Northern Ireland are showcasing the sport and opening their doors to everyone from the 20th to the 28th October so that new participants can come and try judo for free.
Judo is both a martial art and a sport and it’s a fantastic way to get fit, increase concentration, learn new skills and enhance wellbeing through exercise.
This year, World Judo Day also promotes the concept of friendship in sport and although competition is based on an individual format, judo promotes working together to achieve goals.
A feature that makes Judo stand out from other sports is it’s fully inclusive and open from anyone aged from 5 upwards and both men and women can take part.
Over 20 million people around the world practice and train in Judo and here in Northern Ireland there are 60 clubs including schools and over 2000 members participate.
The Northern Ireland Judo Federation are hoping that more people will get involved and train both for enjoyment or perhaps find a sporting outlet if they are keen to get active and learn new skills, but perhaps don’t want to play team sports. Judo is also great if people want to supplement their training with a sport that builds strength and coordination.
Mark Donald from the Northern Ireland Judo Federation said:
“You can only really understand what is happening in Judo by going along and trying it for yourself. Many people think all martial arts are the high-flying kicks and punches that you see in movies and on the television.
Judo however is a grappling art and from this you build strength, confidence and along with that self-defence skills too.
Judo follows a moral code as well, which includes discipline and set rules that not only keep people safe whilst training, but also assists in steering younger players on in later life.
The best thing about Judo is, if you want to compete regularly there are plenty of opportunities, but if you just want to train then you can work your way through the belt ranking system towards the coveted black belt. There is something for everyone in the sport and our clubs are all very welcoming.”
Clubs that are taking part in the Try Judo week can be found at www.nijudo.com or the Federation office can be contacted on 02890 383814 Monday to Friday.