Throw! Choke! Slam and sweep! Kodokan Judo has a reputation as being one of the more violent forms of martial arts, but that hasn’t stopped the Waynesville Kodokan Judo Club. Easily adapted for the safety of children and adults, this ancient Japanese art has a strong presence in Western North Carolina.
The Waynesville Kodokan Judo Club has had a busy year, traveling to several tournaments and winning more than 100 medals and trophies. The team attended tournaments in Durham, Winston Salem and Atlanta this year. 16 members of the team attended The Greatest Judo Camp, a coveted opportunity to train with Olympic players, also known as judoka.
In October, the Waynesville Kodokan Judo Club hosted the “Fall Brawl in the Smoky Mountains” tournament at the Waynesville Recreation Center. This was a chance to study with two-time Olympian Pat Burris while enjoying bluegrass and BBQ.
The Waynesville Kodokan Judo Club practices at the Waynesville Recreation Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Children practice from 4- 5:30 p.m. and adults practice from 5:30-7 p.m. Boys and girls of all ages are invited to give it a try. Beginner classes start on Jan. 3.
For more information or to register, call Sensei Jimmy Riggs (828-506-0327) or the Waynesville Recreation Center at 456-2030.
