An enthusiastic judo instructor from Destination Judo visited a Newton Aycliffe school to deliver a judo taster session to children.
All year groups from Year 2 upwards at Stephenson Way Primary School received a 30-minute taster session in which children got to wear a traditional judo “uwagi” jacket and were shown and given a chance to try some of the basic holds and grips used in Judo.
Judo translates as “the gentle way” and, unlike other martial arts, focuses more on subduing an opponent with throws and holds than striking them.
This makes it an ideal pursuit for young children to gain the necessary exercise to remain fit and healthy.
The two morning sessions were organised by the school in conjunction with the Sedgefield School Sports Partnership, with which the school works closely to provide high level coaching and varied physical activities for the children.
In the past year, Stephenson Way has successfully provided a high number of opportunities for physical enrichment as part of our ethos of ensuring the children make the most of their abilities both physically and mentally.
The children visibly enjoyed the energetic sessions set to popular music and the enthusiastic instruction from Judo Dan.
By the end of the session, the children had received a good work out and learnt some basic judo.
All of the pupils who took part were invited for further sessions which take place locally, at the Youth Centre.
