In order to get my point across I think I should tell my personal story on how I started judo. I like to say that I started judo by accident. My father, who practiced judo when he was in his twenties and thirties wanted to get my younger brother involved in the sport. I hated the idea that my little brother was allowed to try something and I was going to be left at home. I questioned my father about it and he told me, “No, you are a girl. Girls are not supposed to fight and do combat sports.”

Obviously, at the age of 8 I did not take No, as an answer and ended up going to my first judo practice in March of 1996. I loved judo for a few reasons, 1. It was a place where it was okay to beat on my little brother and most importantly it gave me confidence and self-worth. I soon came to realize that it was okay, to stand up and fight for myself even if I was a girl.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays were my favorite days because those were the days I went to judo. I was only allowed to go to judo if all my homework was done and I did my chores, so after school I rushed through all my homework to make sure that I made it to judo on time. Being involved in the sport allowed me to make little goals for myself, and it made me understand the importance of responsibility.

 

Growing up in this sport has forever changed me, it has prepared me for the real world and daily challenges. The challenges that I face in the dojo and out in competition are the same obstacles that I fight through every day off the tatami. As a child I slowly learned that you didn’t have to win every single competition, and that every competition is a learning experience. Through my failures I have learned to persevere and I think that is what has helped me progress through life.

In judo you learn how to respect others and yourself. You gain confidence in your own abilities.  Martial Arts, and judo also teaches you control. Judo does not only become a hobby or a sport it becomes a way of life.  

 

When I do clinics and teach young children I always stress the importance of respect, just by simply bowing to your partner and shaking their hands after a match teaches kids how others should be treated.