Our Vision
We believe and have seen that judo has the power to transform lives and lift communities. It empowers youth by providing discipline and physical activity for those who may have few other opportunities for healthy, productive ways to use their free time. This transformative effect on children and young adults has already been at work for the past four years at Judo Kuat (Judo Strong) in the city of Lubuk Linggau, South Sumatra!
Judo Kuat, the only club of its kind in Lubuk Linggau, is free to all participants. Instead of charging for registration and club fees, Judo Kuat requires community service from participants one time per week. Children and young adults who otherwise would not be able to afford participation in any kind of organized activity are encouraged to join the club. Through their participation, Judo Kuat, the neighborhood, and the community all benefit from the weekly service projects of club members.
Our History
Over the past four years, over 300 children from ages 8 through 18 have taken judo lessons and found a safe place to play and hang out at Judo Kuat. Presently more than 80 youth are served on a weekly basis. A core group of around 30 students have further dedicated themselves to the sport by rising in belt rank and gaining opportunities to compete in Jakarta, Jambi, Bali, and even Singapore.
Through his participation and positive experience at Judo Kuat, one student (Dian Octa Wijaya, shown below winning a judo match in Singapore) made the decision to go to college after high school, majoring in sports education. His schooling is being funded through his judo involvement, as he works as an intern and assistant coach for the club. Judo Kuat has inspired many other students to dream larger than they thought possible about travel, education, and hopes of a better life inspired by their new skills, attitudes, and successes gained through judo.
Our Need
Judo Kuat faces challenges: broken-down, low-quality mats, a leaky roof, and most pressingly, a practice space that is too small to accommodate all the children who wish to participate.
We hope to remedy these problems by building a new dojo. The land has already been rented and is presently being cleared of previous structures and debris. The new location is right across the street from the existing location, so that the current students won't need to travel a great distance to continue their involvement at Judo Kuat.
Following StartSomeGood's fundraising structure, our tipping point goal of $20,000 needs to be met by May 10th in order for us to receive the funds.
How You Can Help
Please consider giving a donation to this project, any amount will help. Check out our fun gifts for various donation levels to the right. Whether you can give or not, please share this widely with friends on facebook, twitter, e-mail, or any other social media. The more people who see this campaign, the greater chance it will be funded.
Judo Kuat hopes to empower youth in all areas - developing physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social strength in the athletes who attend. Please join us in building the next generation to be Judo Strong!
