The shoes and socks are quickly taken off. The white suits can be slipped on in no time. And the belt is also skilfully tied. Because when Peter de Vries and his junior trainers ask for judo training in the Dreingau Hall, the children and young people don’t want to waste a minute.
Not even on a Wednesday evening in November, when the beginners’ group of the DJK Olympia – girls and boys between the ages of eight and eleven are housed here – stand on the large mat that was previously set up as a team.
20 young Judokas are eagerly involved
The 20 or so young Judoka are happy that the 60-minute session can finally begin. But if you are thinking of a dangerous martial art, you are far from it. “We focus on mutual respect, consideration and appreciation for the other,” explains Peter de Vries. “Of course we ask the kids to do the same. Judo is not just a sport, it is also an educational system in one form, ”adds the man from Dülmen.
Peter de Vries
The 60-year-old needs to know what he’s talking about. After all, the teacher has been practicing Japanese martial arts himself for 50 years. In addition to the black belt (3rd Dan), he also has the license to test the offspring. “Fighting is not in the foreground in judo. We don’t have opponents, we have partners, ”emphasized de Vries. He also conveyed this to the girls and boys who would attend his training sessions. After all, in the various exercises – the disciplines of throwing, holding, choking and levering play a role here – trust is also important. “We take care of the partner. Nobody should get injured here, ”says de Vries. Meanwhile, his youngest protégés have already started training in the background. First with some wild games to let off steam, then with the obligatory bow, before the first handholds and the fall school. “This is very important. Many children these days can no longer roll forward. After 14 days of judo this is no longer a problem for most of them, ”observed the 60-year-old educator. In general: In addition to conveying values, all muscle groups and motor skills are promoted in this martial art. “In addition, there are the many gymnastics elements such as the forward or backward roll,” says de Vries, who has been training with Frederik Behmer, Justus Brüggemann and Nils Beyer for several weeks.
Another advantage: Judo uses a lot of excess energy. “That’s why doctors often send children here,” says the 60-year-old, who has ADHD himself. Others would come to practice so they could better defend themselves in the schoolyard. “But we quickly take the wind out of their sails,” remarks the Dülmener. “Instead, they learn here how they can confidently avoid conflicts and what responsibility they bear.”
Ten-year-old Thies feels good
Other aspects that play an important role in the units are self-control and courage.
“This is great for me. I’m often too stormy at school. But that has improved thanks to judo, ”enthuses ten-year-old Thies while he is practicing a few handholds with Max (11). His training partner adds: “Judo is just a lot of fun.” In view of the many bright eyes, the rest of the beginner group seems to see it the same way.
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