Learning to win and lose are skills integral to a child’s development.

As parents, we naturally want to protect our children. No parent wants to put their child into a situation where they might become upset.

However, learning how to win and lose is integral to a child’s development.

When children lose, they learn to understand that it’s not the end of the world.

They can dust themselves off and try again; more importantly, their loss can motivate them to return to the dojo and try even harder in training.

At our festivals, we create an environment where it is ok for children to try their best and still lose.

Learning how to cope with a negative experience like loss helps children develop empathy, and it is vital to learn this early in life.

A child who has never learned the skills of how to deal with a losing struggle to deal with not meeting their expectations when they are older (when it actually matters).

This process also helps children develop a sense of responsibility for their actions.

Did they try their best? Did they listen to their coach in training?

It is impossible for children to have everything they want, but if they put in the effort and pay attention in class, they will have more positive experiences than negative ones.

Equally, when children win, they build their self-confidence. A child with confidence develops a ‘can-do’ attitude, which will help them succeed into adulthood.

Alongside this, judo teaches respect and humility, which teaches children how to be gracious winners.

Competition is much more than winning and losing …

Participating in competitions allows children to socialise, learn how to overcome nerves and build resilience, which is essential to success later in life.