Tiny but determined judokas took to the mat this weekend as MJ’s Judo Dojo hosted a heartwarming Mini Judo Competition for children aged three to five.
The fun-filled event welcomed 20 eager young athletes and was structured according to Mini Judo Federation criteria, ensuring that participants were introduced to the fundamentals of the sport in an age-appropriate and engaging way.
Proceedings kicked off with a demonstration on the correct way to throw a training dummy, giving the youngsters an opportunity to learn how to safely break balance while interacting confidently with an opponent.
From there, the mini judokas took part in a popular activity known as “block fighting”. In this playful exercise, two participants sit back-to-back with a foam block placed between them. At the signal, each child attempts to grab and hold onto the block for the remainder of the round while their opponent tries to retrieve it — helping to build reaction speed, strength and resilience in a supportive environment.
“Our fun-focused event introduced the young athletes to basic competition elements, including block fighting and ground holds, all in an encouraging setting,” explained Sensei Teresa Vermaak. “At this age, it’s about developing confidence, coordination and a love for the sport, which is exactly what we saw demonstrated by all.”
Parents cheered enthusiastically from the sidelines as the little fighters showcased courage, determination and plenty of smiles, proving that you’re never too young to begin building discipline through sport.
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