Grassroots Games 2016: Judo
The Paralympics is under way in Brazil, and the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) is focusing on the sports that you will see, hear or read about over the next two weeks.
With 22 different disciplines on show in Rio 2016, EFDS takes a look at grassroots participation back here in Britain.
Today it’s Judo, with Connah Anders telling us about how his sport is perfect for both body and mind.
I started judo just over six years ago.
I’ve always had an interest in martial arts, and judo was a sport I could compete in.
Judo is very good exercise, excellent in terms of physical fitness.
I do a lot of gym work to supplement my sport. Mentally, it keeps people happy. The British Judo Centre of Excellence in Walsall is full of happy people.
The sport has helped a lot with me and my social life.
Everyone is on the same level, no-one is excluded. You are just a person who can do judo, just like anyone else. You are not isolated on or off the mat – that connection with people means that you’re their equal both within and outside of the sport.
To succeed in judo you have to have some aggression.
But there are so many different styles. Personally, I feel a lot and I am learning to feel my opponents’ movements more. I am having to learn as my sight continues to deteriorate.
In the middle of a bout all I can think of is giving my opponent a good hiding.
It’s just the way I am! Even if I lose I’m often very happy and I look at what I did right.
Some visually impaired people have worries about being thrown onto the mat.
I can only promise that you will get used to it. If you are interested in trying a quite demanding, but very rewarding, physical sport then judo could be for you. It will give you plenty of confidence.
