Hip wheel. Body drop. Foot sweep.
These are just a few dynamic and exhilarating throwing techniques, or more expressly, flat-out cool takedowns, you'll practice among the many judo-playing skills taught at the Burnaby Judo Club.
For nearly 60 years, with a combined 140 years experience among a knowledgeable NCCP certified instructor base, the Burnaby Judo Club has been providing judo programs to the community and beyond. Their oldest member is 85, their youngest, six.
"We're non-profit and all volunteers," reveals Johannes Schenk, Burnaby Judo Club president and instructor. "We do it because we enjoy it and we have a purpose and ethic that guides us. Based on the idea of mutual welfare and benefit: you put into something a little bit more than you take out—it's kind of our club motto."
Judo students are afforded an opportunity to make friends, gain confidence, build self-esteem, learn respect and humility, develop unselfish regard for others, acquire self-defense techniques and establish lifelong habits of physical fitness.
Discipline, calm and control
The discipline and focus required to advance in judo can yield many benefits in everyday life, like leadership and gaining conflict management skills.
"When I've been confronted with a particular life situation, I reflect on judo and think, oh, maybe that's how I'll deal with this; a lot of people like myself have that experience," says Schenk.
The word judo means "gentle way" and is the very essence of the sport. Its objective is to use your opponent's energy and movements against them with maximum efficiency, without exerting unnecessary force.
Physical strength and size is important, yes, but mental strength and control is even more important. It's about taking advantage of a momentary opportunity when your opponent's balance is compromised to get them to the ground. Whether in school or on the mat, in your day job or in the dojo, a loss of control can be your downfall—literally.
"We find what makes kids successful is unique for each child," explains Schenk. "Part of our expertise is the ability to look at someone and see their strength. We help them ride that wave and build on that strength."
Fun, friendly and safe
Judo is not an inherently rough or dangerous sport; it's a family sport. Generally, the junior novice class size ranges between 10 and 20 children on the mat, just shy of 2,200 square feet, which makes for a well-managed space to play and ups the fun quotient. Two main instructors and two helpers oversee the class. With a supportive instructing environment, the club takes a game-based physical literacy approach to teaching.
"It's a safe inclusive place where you can come and learn the sport, discover about yourself, and develop as an athlete and as a person," says Schenk. "We recognize what kids of various age groups need."
Schenk adds, "It's very friendly, non-threating, like a big game, and through the game we learn judo's playing skills. We take a judo buddy approach: if we have some kids more developed, we pair those kids together. Sometimes with a new player, we pair them with a more experienced player to help them."
New women's program
When two female Canadian judo Olympians medaled bronze in Tokyo, they not only inspired women judo athletes, but it showed the quality programing available in Canada. "B.C. has a number of female athletes who are feeding into that program back east, and we can provide women the preparation needed to reach the beginner level of that program," says Schenk.
Get inspired at the Burnaby club with women's judo, specialized technical training, coach training, and more. With a blend of fitness (because judo is moving fitness), self-defense and learning the sport, you will gain personal empowerment, confidence and a healthy, safe workout.
