Why Judo?Shindokan was first and foremost founded to teach traditional Japanese martial arts to those adults and teens looking for the means to defend themselves in a dangerous world. While this remains our primary mission, one cannot ignore the fact that today's young people often face mental and physical distractions that can seem overwhelming at times. These constant distractions at an early age can lead to many problems in their teenage years and beyond such as an inability to focus, trouble becoming self-reliant, or difficulty creating goals. It can also instill them with poor dietary habits and weak physical health brought on by lack of exercise.
Benefits of Judo - Physical and MentalJudo provides much needed basic conditioning and physical fitness. Along with improvements in aerobic capacity, strength and flexibility, Judo is an excellent way to improve balance, coordination, agility, speed, and power. Improved balance results in better posture which aids health and appearance. Balance, coordination and agility can help avoid accident & injuries as well as increase a child's self confidence and control over their life.

Judo is a great builder of a child's self-confidence. Self-confidence comes from trying new things and being a success. Our program is designed to help students succeed. They learn to set goals, stay focused on them, and stick with it. Instructors will help them, but they know they are doing the work and their confidence soars when they reach their goal! They learn to rely on their own abilities, but they also know they didn't get there alone. Someone was there to help and guide them.

Judo is at all times both an individual pursuit and one that requires working well with others. The study of Judo requires a partner. To this end, students must learn to work together and maintain their self-control and take care of their partners. This helps teach students to think of the consequences of their actions before they act. It also teaches them that the smallest act, good or bad, on their part can influence both themselves and others.

Judo requires a sharp mind to work in conjunction with a strong body. Students learn to be aware of what is happening around them, notice details, and react confidently. We demonstrate respect for others and positive values and expect students to do the same. The skills learned in the dojo carry over into everyday life with students showing more focus at school and respect for parents, teachers, and one’s self. Our program stresses heavily that academic success and positive behavior at school and home is very important. Students will learn that the ancient values of respect and honor are still valid today.