AboutSammi Harrelson Expertise I am a 4th degree black belt black in the arts of Judo and Jujitsu. I`ve been in this field since 1984, started at the age of 34. I have been competting since that time and instructing since 1986. I also instruct womens` self-defense classes. I have been a national and international champion several times. Armlocks are my favorite way to win in tournaments.
Experience I took the gold at the USJI Nationals in Indiana in 1986. Have taken gold in several AAU nationals. I also took the golds in three division in the internationals held in Canada. Womens 120lbs and under, the womens masters, and the womens open weight divison. I earned the first place spot to compete in Spain, and England in the sport of Sombo twice. Sombo is a sport very much like Judo. I have won gold in the State Championships each year that I have competed. I've won several different open state championships, including MO, Ks, IA, Neb, and Ok.
Expert: Sammi Harrelson Date: 6/23/2008 Subject: Judo for kids
Question Sammi,
I was wondering if you could help me with some questions that I have about Judo. I have a son who will soon be 5 years old and I was wanting him to get involved with some sort of art. I live in the southern part of Lee's Summit and am having trouble finding any Judo Dojos (tons of Karate, TKD, but no Judo). I admittedly know very little about the Marital Arts, but have tried to research the topic and I feel that Judo would be the best bet. So with all that being said:
1. Would Judo in fact be the best Martial Art form to start my son on? If not, in your opinion which one?
2. If so, would 5 be an appropriate age to start?
3. Realistically how much time does Judo require for him to spend in the dojo in order for him to become proficient. I'm looking for hours a day, days a week type thing. Would the time frame allow him to play other sports, ie. Football, baseball? (which in some cases requires alot of practices!)
4. And finally, is there any good Judo Dojos, that you know of, relatively close to the Lee's Summit area that you would recommend for my son?
Thank you for your help,
Steve
Answer Hi Steve, I felt the same way when my son was twelve and I was looking for a sport for him. I chose judo because I felt it had more to offer and I never heard a judo kid running around school telling everyone what a bad m---- f--- they were because they knew karate and they could kick in locker or other things. I was on the other hand totally impressed with the judo club I visited thru the KC Parks and REc. It was ran by a husband and wife team. They were terrfic with the kids and adults. What with my son being HDADD and several other problems I could not have found a better place for him.Plus when you think of it when fights do happen most of them end up on the ground, where a judo player has the advantage. Yes 5 is a good age to start judo. My daughter was just 5, all my grandkids have beeen 4 and 5 when I started them. I don't alway take 4 yr old, but if they have an older brother or sister that is in judo and or they have been in gymnastics or dance or swimming classes where they have learned to learn and follow direction, I will accept them. Most kids start out at 1 day a week sometimes two. Usually after 6 to 8 weeks they are ready to go to local meets and compete against kids their own size and age. Most all of them really like it, but we don't require them to compete we leave it up totally to the child and parent. It will take a while longer to become proficient in certain skills of judo. Some skills take more time then others, plus it depends on each student their age, how fast they learn, how co-ordinated they are, their strenght, and if they find they like it. Now location of a club, it's not one of the welcome mat clubs but Wayne Marble has a club on the west bound side of 40 hiway. I can't remember the address, but 291 north to 40 hiway go east on 40 till you get to a gas station on your left. Turn left thru the station and left back on to west bound 40 hiway go a little ways and look to your right, he has a large sign right there where it is, I think it has his picture on it. He a really nice guy and a good coach. Also if you go to www.welcomematjudoclub.com site you will see several club locations. My club is located on Truman Rd at the corner of brooklin on the sw corner. It's in the basement of the C&S woodshop. Right now it will be a couple of more weeks before I resume classes. My mom passed away last week and I'm still takeing care of all the things involved there. Plus I just got a new car and have to have a wiper switch put on it this fri. but I have to leave the car over night thrusday. Class price at my club is $35.00 for a six week session plus $12 for their AAU insurance card, (this card is good from Sept 1 to Aug31) on Thursday afternoon usually 4:30 to 5:30. At least that's when it was always before. I have to check with Eric who owns the place to see if it is still the best time. One of the clubs you might look at is Marks club in south KC off 89 wornal. My grandson go there also on Sunday afternoons. Mark is really great with kids to. I hope I have been of some help to you. Thanks for picking me. Let me know what you chose to do. Here's my email senseisami@sbcglobal.net
