One of the most recent initiatives launched by the St Mary’s
Sport Department in conjunction with Transition Year is our annual student
visit to the Dublin School of Judo. The School, situated in Garristown in North
Dublin is operated by Alan Martin. Alan is renowned in Ireland and abroad for
his involvement and development in Judo.
The students on their arrival were first given a very
interesting introduction to Judo, which translates as ‘The Gentle Way’ in English.
Alan spoke about the health benefits of Judo and cardiovascular fitness in
general for physical and mental wellness. The students then embarked on a
number of warm up exercises before starting to learn about the basic moves and
throws from Alan and his assistants. Students learned that regardless of size
and stamina, anyone can participate in Judo.
Alan likened Judo to chess, in that
participants strive to think 4 or 5 moves ahead when engaging in competition.The afternoon finished in a fun competition. And who knows...given
the talent and enthusiasm shown today, some of the students might be shortly
representing Ireland at international and Olympic level!!
