In an effort to introduce the sport of judo to the community, the St Lucia Judo Association (SLJA) is offering one month of free judo for persons interested in learning the sport.

The unprecedented move is designed to demystify the sport while giving persons the opportunity to learn the basics and experience the benefits of participation in judo first hand. Persons meeting the admission requirements and who complete the month will then be eligible to apply for full membership to the Association.

SLJA Public Relations Officer Kendal Burton says “We’re targeting persons as young as five years old; men and women, who are interested in learning Judo, whether as a form of physical fitness, a form of self defence or out of a desire to compete in domestic, regional or international tournaments.”

“Regardless of the motivations for signing up persons will learn confidence, develop character, humility, respect, responsibility, accountability and commitment and many other personal rewards through training and competition.” Burton says

Judo is unique, he says, in that despite it being a combat sport, it is also a low injury sport that can be practiced safely by men and women alike, children, the elderly, as well as the disabled.  In fact, the SLJA and the St Lucia Blind Welfare Association have partnered to undertake the island’s first Blind Judo program.
“Judo training can start at any age, and it doesn’t require great physical strength to perform the techniques. Within the SLJA our members range from five to seventy five, and many of the skills learned in judo like balance, coordination, efficiency of movement, concentration and agility, benefit participation  in other sports, like soccer, netball, and basketball,” Burton says.

According to Beverley Paul, a long time member of the Association, even if you don’t do any other sport, judo is an ideal form of aerobic exercise, and the stamina improvements enjoyed by participating in Judo, will help players better manoeuvre and handle the rigors of day-to-day life, because they will be more durable and less vulnerable.

“There is no question that judo is a very effective means of self defence for both men and women, but it is also a fantastic way of boosting both your physical and mental health, and I’m living proof of that,” she says.

The SLJA currently conducts training sessions at the Vigie Multi-Purpose Sports Complex Mondays to Thursday, from 6pm.