Everybody loves Judo Fighting…Ha!
By Chris Moffitt
Hidden beneath the smiles of freshman Noah Lewis lies his darker, fiercer side, his judo side.
Judo, in Noah’s words, is “a martial art of Japanese origin that’s grappling-based instead of strike-based.” This means that there is no kicking or punching, but a lot of throwing, with the goal of knocking your opponent down.
Noah began learning the martial art of judo around three years ago, jumping right into busy schedules and intense practices. His aggressive two-and-a-half hour practices that come three times every week consist of seemingly nonstop movement, large amounts of perspiration, and a fair amount of jarring pain.
The demanding practices and dedication have paid off, with Noah and his team, Southwest Judo, finding success in statewide and nationwide competitions. This year, in the Junior National Championships, competitors from his team took Gold, Silver, and Bronze in numerous events. Noah recently placed second in the Winter National tournament in California.
When asked how he felt when he and his team won these outstanding titles, Noah replied, “Winning tournaments obviously feels great. Going to a tournament with 12 people and coming home with 17 medals obviously feels great. But also just watching kids do great in matches and doing well yourself, making a good throw, being on the top, and just being the better fighter — that also makes you feel great.”
When asked about how he felt about the accomplishments of his students, a sensei from Southwest Judo responded, “Accomplishment isn’t just about medals and trophies, it’s about life and what changes inside of you. The achievement that matters in judo is kids gaining self-control, discipline, and self-confidence; that’s what matters.”
As the old Japanese saying goes, “If you do not enter the tiger’s cave, you will not catch its cub.” Noah Lewis, like so many other spectacular TPA Knights, has followed this wise advice. He took the risk of trying something new and has caught the rewarding tiger cub. He has become one of a team of champions.