Youths learn judo
THERE is a call for Fiji Judo Federation to continue its judo and selfdefence training program for children, especially girls and women.
The call came from a parent, Joseva Rasari of Suva, who enrolled his sons Peni Seru and Sairusi Rasari at the South Pacific Judo Training Centre at Nabua, Suva, where FJF development director Simione Kuruvoli Sr teaches youngsters basic judo and self-defence techniques during the school holidays.
The participants were awarded certificates of participation yesterday.
“Thank you Fiji Judo Federation for taking care of our children,” Joseva said.
“I speak on behalf of parents whose children attended the training because this is one of the best programs considering what is happening to our Fijian children nowadays. Rapes and abuse are happening everyday and for my two sons to be taught self defence is a very good thing because they can protect themselves. Police alone cannot safeguard our children all the time, so I am happy that Fiji Judo through Simione Kuruvoli helped us parents ensure the safety of our children. I immediately rushed my sons to Kuruvoli after reading in The Fiji Times about his program.
Judo is an expensive sport, but since it’s free and it is a safe sport, I knew the program will help my sons’ attitude, school work and expose their sporting talents.”
Kuruvoli said more parents had asked for the extension of the program. “We will offer free classes from 3pm to 4pm for primary school students, 4pm to 5pm for secondary school students and adults every day when school starts. This is the start for sports for them and the possibility of excelling in judo.”
Seru, who lives at Vatuwaqa, Suva and a Year 11 student this year at Basden College in Nasinu, said participating in the program allowed him to use his time well during the school holidays.
“Learning judo and self-defence has refreshed my mind, taught me to be a disciplined boy and improved my attitude at home and when I am among my friends,” Seru, who is from Sawaieke, Gau, said.
“The basics of judo can also help me in rugby when holding or gripping my opponents in tackles and scrums. I will ask my parents to continue my judo training in case I will excel in the sport. I want to represent Fiji in the future.”