imag001

People with extra support needs like to participate in physical activities as much as those without extra support needs.
No matter what the disability, physical, intellectual, social or sensorial, the right kind of exercise can improve balance, coordination, self esteem, communication and much more.

A person with special needs might find it difficult to socialise as they feel “different” and this could easily result in them feeling isolated and excluded. Sharing a passion, like Judo, will help people with extra support needs to break down the barrier that may exist and will help them to have a better adaptation to life.

Judo is a sport consisting of putting your opponent out of balance and on to their backs either from a standing or kneeing position, and grappling and hold downs from a sitting or lying postition.

There is no punching, kicking and the face is totally out of bounds. Movement & exercise through Judo offers numerous benefits, not only physical but emotional as well. Feeling “different” from your peers is difficult and often a person with Special Needs struggles with self-esteem and confidence issues. So focusing on their abilities rather than their disabilities can help them to feel more secure and independent. They will create a sense of achievement, which can only bring self esteem and a motivation that just brings a smile to their face.

Judo is a sport where interaction with others is essential. Judo, like most martial arts, has a “code of conduct”. This will help a person with Special Needs to learn how to respect rules, how to respect others and him/herself. Without even knowing it their interactions skills and shyness would improve dramatically and all while learning a great sport.

Judo has a fun approached to exercise. The whole focus is to have fun whilst learning, we include games as part of the warm up, cool down and as a tool to teaching new techniques. There is nothing better than a good game to keep everyone focused and challenged at the same time. A great way to learn without repetitive exercises.

Judo is beneficial in :

  • Improving muscle tone
  • Orientation in Space
  • Cardiovascular fitness
  • Coordination
  • Social interaction
  • Self esteem
  • Communication
  • Developing judo skill and technique 
But most of all it's a fun and incorporates a safe approach to sport !Some children/adults might have a physical disability, an intellectual or social disability; they might have a problem with balance or coordination or might find it hard to remember or learn new things … this doesn't mean they can't practise Judo.
It just means they need extra support to achieve their goals.  Most of the above benefits can be gained if given the opportunity.