Later this year the Olympic games will be coming to London and Judo will be one of the many sports on show.
Despite it’s rough appearance, the word ‘Judo’ actually translates to ‘gentle way’ in Japanese and players are encouraged to be tactical in their approach and use their opponents force against them.
But Judo is more than just a sport. Like many martial arts, it gives youngsters a way of channelling their aggression and an opportunity to defend themselves.
Barry Cooper, the founder of the Lincoln Judo Academy in Branston, believes that Judo gives children the chance to fight back against their tormentors:
“A lot of kids come here because they get bullied at school,” he said. “Bullies don’t seem to last at Judo, because there is always someone bigger and better than them.”
“Because it’s all done under rules you can see them wilting on the mat.”