Children’s Program

Children ages 6 to 15 are taught Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. Special care is taken to insure that each child is kept safe and receives the attention he or she needs. The two principles of judo are maximum efficiency and mutual benefit. Children are taught that these mean learn your techniques properly so you can achieve the maximum effect for the minimum of effort and be careful with your partner so that he or she is kept safe. With children ranging in age from 6 to 15, an effort is made to partner them with someone who is similar in age and size. They learn not only from the instructor, but also from the more experienced students.

As the children learn they are tested and promoted in rank. The ranks start at yellow belt and continue through brown belt.  Each rank is a reward for what the student  has learned about judo and about working with others in a group setting.

Adults Program

Adults 16 and over are taught Monday through Friday from 7:30 to 9:30 PM and are tailored to all levels of students, from beginner to advanced. You’re never too old to start judo Flexibility and strength are helpful, but not required. It’s a great way to improve your fitness and coordination while having fun. You’ll also learn about body mechanics and efficiency of motion.
The techniques of judo are designed to subdue you’re opponent without serious injury and can be quite useful in self-defense situations.

Team Tohoku

Competing in judo tournaments is encouraged, but not required. We compete in a tournament, or host one, most months.  Judo competition is well defined with a well-developed set of rules and setting requirements and has been an Olympic sport since 1964. Competition is our opportunity to find out how well our techniques work against an opponent who is resisting our efforts.

The action is similar to that of the freestyle wrestling seen in high schools and colleges. You try to bring your opponent to the mat and hold him there. The main difference is that we wear a judo gi, or uniform, and are allowed to grip it during the match. Judo also includes techniques such as chokes and arm bars, which must be applied carefully and result in a win when the opponent gives up by “tapping out”.

These competitions are a team event and the students learn to support their teammates. Our instructors coach our students before, during and after their matches. Besides learning about their techniques, our students learn how to be a modest winner and a respectful loser and make new friends during each tournament.