”Judo is more than a sport. It is based on a moral code with the universal values of friendship, courage, sincerity, honour, modesty, respect, self-control and politeness.”
These are the words of Tulip Combined School’s judo sensei, Katja Bruwer. Using Tulip Combined School as a vehicle for change, Sensei Katja hopes to empower children through participation in sport, which greatly aids physical and mental development.
Katja has been part of the judo world for 45 years and currently holds a sixth Dan black belt. She is currently one of Judo South Africa’s Junior coaches and boasts a Level A IJF Level 2 coaching qualification. These qualification and certifications are earned by competing and being tested on the theoretical and practical aspects of this prized Olympic sport. As ‘sensei’ translates to ‘one who comes before’, so is the need to have done that which you wish to teach.
Tulip Combined School lies close to Katja’s heart. The school approached her two years ago to create an alternative extra-mural option. The school saw martial arts as a way to instil discipline and self-defence in its pupils and Katja was excited at the opportunity to bring something special to the school. ”These youngsters do not have the same opportunities in terms of sport that many other learners in schools in ‘wealthy’ suburbs have. We have a challenge in bringing the sport to all South Africans and we want to make the sport accessible to all,” she explained.
Katja hopes to get the parents involved to help promote engaged children. Once children have established themselves at the school, she hopes to promote them to club level and ultimately into the district teams. The passionate Katja chose to close with a quote from the founder of judo, Jigoro Kano. ”The final goal of judo discipline is to perfect yourself and contribute something of value to the world.”
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