Pedro's is an amazing place for kids to grow and learn. It is not just about athleticism and strength in the dojo, but they build character, confidence and discipline. These men and women are exceptional role models and have helped shape our son to an amazing young man. The expectations/behaviors go far beyond the walls of Pedro's and we couldn't be happier with our experience!
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Amanda O.

via Google

My boys have been attending Pedro’s for over 2 years. The quality of instruction is unparalleled. The Senseis are caring and incredibly helpful. We love it here!



Erin C.

via Google

They are amazing at working with kids. My daughter is gaining confidence, listening skills, and learning how to work with others. We highly recommend Pedro’s Judo.



Erin L.

via Google

In a short amount of time, my child confidence has grown tremendously. The Senseis are great. Pedro’s Judo really facilitates personal growth...



Susan C recommends Pedro's Judo Center

via Facebook ·

We needed a dojo that focused on personal development delivered kindly. Pedro’s dojo is a wonderful place to help raise up a nice, thoughtful, confident child.

The teachers/Sensei are/is excellent!



Alexis D recommends Pedro's Judo Center

via Facebook ·

We started classes for my 4 and 7 year old boys over the summer, when there was very little going on. But they were instantly hooked. And I love the positive messages that they get each week as they work toward courage, responsibility and optimism. It's been really wonderful for them (and me)!



Anthony B recommends Pedro's Judo Center

via Facebook ·

The instruction is the best I have received in Judo by far. They know exactly how to make you better and take the time to do so. They push us mentally and physically and it is awesome. Pedros is the best.



Rahul D recommends Pedro's Judo Center

via Facebook ·

Joining Pedro’s Judo Center last year has been a truly rewarding experience for me. The program is tailor-made for beginners like me who have absolutely no experience with any combat sports or mixed martial arts. A big shout out to Sensei Rian who is a great coach and always motivates you to do your best. The warm up exercises, drills, and especially the Randori (sparring) sessions make for a challenging yet great learning experience. Pedro’s judo center has my highest recommendation if you want to hone you Judo skills or want to start off as a beginner.



Jazz R recommends Pedro's Judo Center

via Facebook ·

I have three sons who train train at Pedro’s Judo. Two of them have been there for over two years and my youngest recently started. My wife and I were very impressed from the start by their ability to keep the kids focused, engaged, physically active, and having fun. More importantly, our kids love going to class.

Throughout the pandemic, they kept the kids active with virtual content and when they were able to open up they had procedures to train while maintaining social distracting.

I would highly recommend their program for anyone looking for martial arts training.



Mary Jane Sullivan recommends Pedro's Judo Center

via Facebook ·

What a fun place for a birthday party for kids. Very clean with a separate space for food and cake. Ms. Allie kept all the kids engaged with fun games and music. Most certainly they slept well that night. Clean bathrooms and comfortably cool.

I would give them 5 stars!



Derek Tc Richardson recommends Pedro's Judo Center

via Facebook ·

Technical tough competitors. Lots of experience on this mat. If you want to get in shape and learn from the best, this is the place.



Stephan Kelly O'Sullivan recommends Pedro's Judo Center

via Facebook ·

We have been members at Pedro's Judo Center for 9 years and I cannot emphasize more how beneficial the training for my daughters has been. My eldest was the first to start and within several months I was amazed at the level of change in her confidence. The effect was both personal and athletic. I decided to enroll my younger daughter and the effect was even quicker. From the ceiling of the Judo Center hang 4 signs. The signs are emblazoned with the words CONFIDENCE, FOCUS, RESPECT and DISCIPLINE. The instructors at Pedro's do a great job of stressing these values to their students. If you admire these values as much as I do, you should bring your children to Pedro's Judo. My elder daughter emphasized to me the old saying that, "The family that plays together...stays together." so I enrolled myself. The decision to enroll my family at Pedro's Judo is one of the best i've ever made!



Don Werner recommends Pedro's Judo Center

via Facebook ·

My grandaughter has gone from very shy to much more outgoing and confident. Very knowledgeable caring staff that get results. Thank you



Amy Mirasolo recommends Pedro's Judo Center

via Facebook ·

Pedro's is an amazing place for kids to grow and learn. It is not just about athleticism and strength in the dojo, but they build character, confidence and discipline. These men and women are exceptional role models and have helped shape our son to an amazing young man. The expectations/behaviors go far beyond the walls of Pedro's and we couldn't be happier with our experience!



Anthony Hewitt recommends Pedro's Judo Center

via Facebook ·

Great training with great people! Thanks for the hospitality everyone!



Maria Koutny recommends Pedro's Judo Center

via Facebook ·

Went for a child birthday party and my daughter had a blast! Good people



Michelle Bradbury Wilkins recommends Pedro's Judo Center

via Facebook ·

My 3year old and 4year old love it. I love their ability to focus and to listen more. Great place for kids!



Sharon O'Brien recommends Pedro's Judo Center

via Facebook ·

Both my son and daughter have been doing Judo at Pedro’s for just over a year and I would highly recommend their program. Not only do they focus on physical fitness but also building confidence in the kids. My son thrives on the physical challenges of Judo and is always excited and proud of himself when he masters a new technique. He often comes off the mat after class and asks me if he can stay for the next class!! My daughter is 6 years old and has hearing loss and I enrolled her at Pedro’s with the hope of boosting her self confidence. I couldn’t be happier with the progress she’s made (both on and off the mat!) over the last year at Pedro’s. The Sensei’s are firm but kind and really bring out the best in the kids. I was so proud to see my daughter raise her hand fearlessly and ask the police officer a question during a recent visit from WPD at the Dojo!! Thank you everyone at Pedro’s!!!



Leah Kunz Sullo recommends Pedro's Judo Center

via Facebook ·

I would absolutely recommend Pedro's Judo Center, we have had such a great experience and look forward to many more years of fun. This has been a great way for my four year old son to improve so many areas like focus and self-control all while being physically active and having fun.

I think my favorite part of this program is that they make this so much more than the classes that you attend at the dojo each week. They make such an effort to involve the entire family, we love the in house tournaments, promotion nights, kids movie nights, and much more. The other mom's and I even got to join in the class with them this morning in honor of Mother's Day for a pink belt, I'm not sure which one of us had more fun!



Beth Williams recommends Pedro's Judo Center

via Facebook ·

Jacob has just finished his third year of training at Pedro's. We could not be happier with his progress. We started down this path hoping for better school and home behavior, a little more focus and lot more patience and discipline. In three years the change has been remarkable! Our rambunctious, full of energy little boy has grown up- learned how to respect teachers, staff, parents and so much more- while still keeping his silly, charming personality. Sensei Riley is kind, understanding, beyond patient and a true cheerleader! We are so grateful to all the staff for being on this ride with us!



Mimi Lemay recommends Pedro's Judo Center

via Facebook ·

Pedro's is a remarkable place. I knew that the martial arts, if practiced right, could instill confidence and positivity in my kids, and Pedro's and Sensei Riley have not disappointed. I have three kids at Pedro's: Ages, 9, 8 and 6 and all three have enjoyed the experience, learned a lot and improved in strength, coordination and their belief in what they can accomplish! The classes are run well and on time, and there are plenty of chances for the kids to work toward promotion and participate in tournaments. We are glad we chose Pedro's Judo!



Suzana Stojakovic Forkapic recommends Pedro's Judo Center

via Facebook ·

Our son Nikola has officially been at this Dojo for one full year now and is thriving in this environment. Sensei Riley is there to teach Judo and much more with goal setting, a constant reminder of respect, kindness, and overall doing the right thing each day. He is in tune with each child speaking and instructing them with discipline and respect. I just love this place and look forward to each class and my son's development overall.



Marissa F recommends Pedro's Judo Center

via Facebook ·

Sansei Casey is patient, consistent and encouraging. Both of my boys have enjoyed their first 8 weeks. It literally took their goal sticker chart to encourage my 2 yr old to become potty trained. My oldest is now more independent and helpful around the kitchen. We can’t wait to continue seeing them grow in Judo.

Daniel L recommends Pedro's Judo Center

via Facebook ·

Pedro's Judo Center not only teaches their students Judo & help them build confidence & a strong body. They also teach them about discipline & respect, inside & outside of the Dojo.

We are so glad we found this school for our two sons. Their instructors are great & the program is phenomenal.



Joshua R recommends Pedro's Judo Center

via Facebook ·

I would absolutely recommend Pedro's Judo Center to anyone that wants a positive, self-empowering experience for their own child.



Katie M recommends Pedro's Judo Center

via Facebook ·

My daughter has been doing judo here since she was four years old. Pedro's fosters a sense of confidence, respect and community in their students. We are so happy with them!

Kamal K

via Google

Great place for kids self-esteem and physical strength. Kids practice is full of fun and challenges. The class is very disciplined. Non-stop for the full duration of the class.

Matt K

via Google

Great atmosphere for both adults and children. My son is always excited for his next judo class and enjoys attending the studio and participating in class.

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Pedro's Judo Center

Wakefield, MA Judo & Martial Arts

See Schedule & Enrollment Options

# 10 Reasons Why Judo Is Better For Your Kids Than Team Sports

December 8, 2020

From myjudotechniques.com

Judo training is a much better activity for kids than team sports such as, Baseball, Basketball and Soccer. If you are inclined to sign your child up for some organized sports activity, here are some reasons why you should choose Judo for your kids:

## 1. Self-Defense:

The first reason why most people practice martial art is for self-defense. Not only will the martial arts teach you the techniques to defend yourself, but also the way to think about defending yourself. They also help you build up the reflexes you need if you’re ever in a difficulty, and give you the confidence to fight back.

## 2. Belts and Ranking:

Belts are a great way to help children track their progress and motivate them to strive higher. Belts and ranking may help build the child confidence and their desire to succeed. For this purpose, most Martial Arts styles use a system of Colored belts to indicate the knowledge and skill levels of their practitioners. In many cases, the first belt promotion can be attained in few weeks and when children obtain that first belt, it shows them that with the right motivation, they can succeed. One belt is always not enough, once a child passes one belt test he or she is already thinking about the next one.

## 3. Self-Confidence:

As children become more skillful in their selected style of martial arts, their confidence gets increased significantly. They become more self-assured and confident. The Sensei’s (Teacher’s) encourage their students a lot to help them achieve this goal, but the confidence level will extend far beyond the Dojo (Martial Arts Studio).

## 4. Exercise:

The classical martial arts class will often be comprised of warm-up calisthenics, teaching and practicing of moves and possibly some sparring. The warm up and practice include the bulk of the time, and for that time your child will be constantly on the go – stretching, crunches, punches and kicks. The workout each child gets will not only assist in the natural development of his/her muscles but also help them build stronger Cardio-Vascular systems. Even in the most active of team sports such as Soccer, Hockey, or Basketball, children don’t get that much of a workout simply because they generally don’t play the whole game and even if they do, there are still breaks in the action.

## 5. Emphasis on Individual Achievement:

In the martial arts, each child’s success is based on his or her own individual qualities. Yes, your kid may not be the most winning Judoka in his Judo class, but that will be because he tried and lost, and not because he wasn’t good enough to make it off the bench like other sports in which he may not play the game at all because his coach told him so. Knowing that their own ambition and hard work will drive them to succeed, they will be motivated to follow their dreams without the fear of hating the sport or not having the chance to practice it.

## 6. Discipline:

The core of any martial art is ‘practice makes perfect’ There is constant repetition in drills and practices with emphasis on details and rhythm. Kicking, punching and throwing are practiced and repeated over and over. Those practices teach them the benefits of frequent practice, and the patience to get there All of this teaches children to respect one another, their opponents and colleagues, and how to play games fair and square.

## 7. Judo isn’t about brute force, it is about control:

Judo teachers emphasize the concept of maximum efficiency. This is evident, as the root of many Judo techniques is not necessarily brute force, but using your opponents’ movements and strength against him or her. While physical strength and size are important, mental strength is probably the most critical factor in competition.

## 8. Gender Equity:

Most parents consider martial arts for their sons, not nearly as many would consider it for their daughters. However, the martial arts are one of the few sports where both boys and girls can play together. There are also tremendous international opportunities in Women’s martial arts as well. Your daughter’s yellow belt will not be any easier for her to attain than your son’s yellow belt will be for him. It also gives brothers and sisters an opportunity to practice together and learn from one another as well.

## 9. Respect for Strength:

The first thing parents think about when they send their kids to martial arts class is: “Is my child going to use this to hurt others?” Although this is a legitimate concern, it is always addressed early by instructors who remind students that the techniques they learn in the dojo stay in the dojo except in self-defense, and shouldn’t be used to intimidate people.

As children learn the ropes, they will learn to respect their newfound strength and techniques. They will also quite bullying as well.

## 10. Competition:

Similarly to team sports, Judo is all about competition. The latter is great for kids to test their skills and show their progress. Unlike team sports, the loser can’t really blame anyone beyond his or herself. But then this gives them a sense of respect for their opponent, as well as motivation to do better the next time. Each Judo tournament is a fresh start, and it is seldom that you get only one match even in the Olympics where there is a single-elimination for the Gold and Silver medals, there is a second-chance round for those who have lost their first matches for them to be able to win a Bronze.

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Get more info via email, plus see our current schedule and enrollment options on the next page!

- Full Name
- Email
- Phone Number
- ProgramSelect a Program2-3 Year Old Toddler Martial Arts7-9 Year Old Kids Martial Arts4-6 Year Old Kids Martial Arts10-12 Year Old Pre-Teen Martial ArtsTeen & Adult Martial ArtsBirthday Parties

By opting into the web form above you are providing consent for Pedro's Judo Center to send you periodic text messages. Standard rates may apply. You can reply HELP at anytime to learn more. You may opt-out anytime by replying STOP.

Wakefield's Premier Martial Arts Facility serving Families in the Wakefield, Woburn, Reading, Stoneham, Lynnfield, and surrounding Areas!

Wakefield, MA

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