Destination Judo is a childrens’ judo school.

Destination Judo is a childrens’ judo school based in central Scotland with clubs in Edinburgh, East Lothian, Fife and Perth & Kinross. Destination Judo also has classes now in the Durham area north east of England.

We offer classes for children between the ages of 5 and 16 years old whether they’re doing it for fun, competing, or somewhere in between.

For existing members we hope this site will improve our customer service by allowing you to check out club news, learn a bit more about judo, and maybe even see yourselves in our Facebook gallery or read about yourselve in the hall of fame page!

 The introduction of the Scottish Executive’s Active Schools Programme has given a real impetus to the sport of judo. We are working closely with the the Active Schools teams to promote judo in schools in and around Central Scotland.

Our classes are dynamic and high energy. We use fun learning and games as well as progressive techniques for teaching judo. For the more gifted children, Destination Judo  can offer places in squad classes which help children hone competitive and fighting skills. However, for many, the motivation is simply fitness and fun.

Our coaches are full-time professionals and Destination Judo expect the same levels of excellence and dedication from all its staff. We know that being good at sport is not the same as being a good teacher and being able to communicate skills, enthusiasm and passion to children.

At Destination Judo we like teaching children and believe we’re good at it (as our class retention levels show). We believe there’s more to judo than being able to throw your best pal over your shoulder. It also gives you learning, self-confidence and fun.

What is Judo?

Physical

 

Most obviously judo provides children with physical exercise, a good cardio-vascular workout and the opportunity to learn a new sporting skill. As a sport that has evolved from a fighting art, it develops complete body control, fine balance and fast reflexive action.

It is essentially a defensive sport involving two players, each of whom uses specific techniques and quick reflexes, plus balance, power and movement to get the other partner off-balance and take him/her down onto the mat. Skill, technique and timing, rather than brute strength, are the ingredients for success in judo. For example, in judo classes you learn how to give way, rather than use force, to overcome a stronger opponent. Unlike some other martial arts, there are no kicks, punches or other attacking movements.

Playing and rolling together on the mat develops equilibrium, spatial orientation and awareness, agility and responsiveness, flexibility and basic strength.

Psychological

 

 Judo provides the means for learning self-confidence, concentration and leadership skills. Children who learn the simple and effective self-defence techniques are more self-aware and confident, less prone to bullying or victimisation.

Children of all shapes, body sizes and fitness levels can find their niche in judo. Overweight children will often come to judo because they don’t have to run, catch or hit a ball but can develop their overall body confidence in learning how to fall, throw and rumble with a lot of fun along the way. Judo’s role in helping with problems such as obesity stems not only from the actual exercise involved, but from the childrens’ growing confidence in their ability and the realisation that they need not fear either falling or physical intimidation.

Social

Much of the teaching of judo is based on respect and discipline. Whilst classes will be fun, judo has been proven to help with childrens’ general development, interactive skills and self-discipline.

Also as there is a requirement to train with a partner, and each partner is dependent upon the other to progress, judo is good for developing teamwork and mutual responsibility.

Different children gain different things from judo – some love the dynamic nature and the rough and tumble of the sport. Others relish the competitive edge and the opportunity to advance through the grading system. Others appreciate the more technical aspects of judo. The trick is to recognise these different motivations and use this knowledge to develop individuals and maintain enthusiasm.