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What’s inside...
Written with primary school age children in mind, this series explores how the martial arts developed into practical and usable forms of self-defence. Each volume identifies famous fighters, provides step-by-step instructions and includes photographs of appropriate holds, punches, kicks and throws. It offers an introduction to the Japanese martial art and popular combat sport of judo, looking at the art's history and characteristics and presenting overviews of several of its throwing, pinning, strangling, and armlocking techniques. This series encourages readers to discover the skills required for martial arts. Each title presents one of the arts, explores how it has been developed and how it works today, including famous fighters and international competition. There are step-by-step instructions for holds, throws and other techniques, and advice on safety and locations to learn about martial arts.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Judo teaches us besides how to defend ourselves?
How do the characters in the book show respect to each other?
Can you describe a time when you had to be brave like the characters in 'Judo'?
What did you learn about the importance of practice and dedication from this book?
How do you think learning Judo could help people solve problems?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the discipline of Judo to their daily activities and challenges. Discuss the values of respect and dedication depicted in the book. Share personal stories where similar values have helped you. Lastly, allow your child to express their feelings or thoughts on how learning such a skill could benefit their life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for others
Explanation: The book 'Judo' by Barnaby Chesterman teaches children the importance of respecting their opponents and peers through the protagonist's interactions during judo matches.
Real-World Application: Children learn to treat others with kindness and respect, both in sports and in their daily interactions with family and friends.
Example Lesson: Discipline
Explanation: As the characters in 'Judo' dedicate time to practice and hone their skills, children see the value of discipline in achieving mastery in any field.
Real-World Application: This lesson translates to children understanding the importance of regular practice, whether it's regarding their homework, household chores, or any hobbies they pursue.
Example Lesson: The importance of setting goals
Explanation: The protagonist sets goals to advance through different judo levels, showcasing the significance of goal-setting.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to set personal goals, helping them stay focused and motivated in various aspects of their lives, such as academics or personal growth.
Example Lesson: Handling defeat gracefully
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters experience losses but are encouraged to see them as opportunities for growth, teaching resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children to accept setbacks in life, learn from them, and come back stronger, nurturing a resilient mindset.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Even though judo is perceived as an individual sport, the book highlights the importance of teamwork in practice sessions and learning from one another.
Real-World Application: Children internalize the value of working with others, which can enhance their ability to cooperate in school projects and other team-based activities.