TRUE STORIES
Judo has helped so many individuals in Canada gain confidence, start over, and overcome obstacles. Meet some real judokas with really amazing stories.
GRACELYN SHANNON
FROM DELTA KAIGAN JUDO CLUB
I’ve spent most of my life at the Delta Kaigan Judo Club. It is a home and an oasis, and I am so proud to say it has shaped me into who I am today. Since the club began I have found friendship and mentorship that I am thankful for. Judo is more than a sport to me, it’s a way of life.
JOHN-PHILIP
FROM DELTA KAIGAN JUDO CLUB
Having been participating in Judo classes for the past eight years, Delta Kaigan Judo Club has given me the opportunity to gain physical, mental and social strength. One can just imagine how spatial awareness, body balancing and physical stamina can be difficult to acquire when visually impaired. Through the practice of Judo, I have been able to develop these skills, as well as the sensations of leverage and timing. Judo has also helped me develop self-confidence, as it pertains to advocating for myself and achieving goals in a world designed for sighted persons. Last but not least, the sense of respect, empathy and courtesy promoted among Judoka has allowed me to thrive in a comfortable and non-judgemental environment. Finally, one anecdote in the life of a visually-impaired Judoka at Judo class: a Judoka was sight-guiding me to the back of a line-up, but then omitted to make me stop at the right spot, so that I ended up being stopped by someone’s backside; a good chuckle was had by all, as usual!
STEPHANIE DE ANNA
FROM DELTA KAIGAN JUDO CLUB
I started Judo at the age of ten and continued it for several years and over those years I had the opportunity to not only learn the skills of the sport but also grow as a leader, a coach and an overall more confident person. When I first began Judo I was very quiet and shy but as my coaches mentored me I began to grow and eventually became an assistant sensei at my Judo club. Through Judo I was offered the opportunity to practice my coaching skills, attend self-defence seminars and also attend NCCP coaching workshops. For me, Judo was more than just the sport, it was the extra things I learned, the wonderful people I had the opportunity to meet and the sensei’s who guided me. Throughout my Judo career I never felt pressured by my sensei’s to compete at a high level, rather they recognized that my passion in Judo was along the coaching and teaching path and they provided me opportunities to grow in those areas by allowing me to lead classes. Judo has made a significant impact in my life and I feel it was an influence in my choice to become a teacher. I am thankful for all the great experiences I was able to have through this great sport.
