Exercise, Confidence and Self-Defense Under One Roof

Okay, let’s clear up any misconceptions. Judo is not just about flipping people, or even beating them up.

“Judo,” says Brick City Judo Club co-owner, Jose Osorio, “teaches discipline, self control, and confidence.” He then looks out on the 16-by by-45-foot mat space at young children currently enrolled in a class. “See that, there lot’s of quiet people. Judo gets them to open up.”

There you have it.

Jose Osorio and brother, Jimmy, both taught judo privately while living in Newark, hence the name of their business, which opened in June on Washington Avenue. Although both are currently Belleville residents, both attended and were competitive wrestlers at Eastside High School in Newark.

“Judo isn’t for everyone,” claims Jimmy. “It’s great for wrestlers, though, because you can transition.”

Judo was developed in 1882 in Japan by Professor Jigoro Kano, who envisioned individuals becoming both mentally and physically fit via the discipline it teaches and provides. His picture adorns the wall of Brick City Judo Club. The Osorios, and their students, adhere to his philosophy.

“It keeps it clean,” says Jose who, along with Jimmy, has been practicing judo since 1995. “I love judo. It’s a good workout. In Japan, they do this in high school.”

It’s true. As we in the United States follow baseball, basketball and football, the Japanese are hooked on judo. “It became an Olympic sport in the 1960s,” says Jimmy. “In Japan, judo is treated like basketball and baseball are here.”

“There is nothing like doing this for exercise,” says Jose. “You’re on the mat, using every muscle in your body.”

And there are no, according to the Osorio’s, “just judo” clubs in Essex County, and 87-year-old Kearny resident Vincent Rooney can vouch for this. “There used to be places like this,” says Rooney, the former owner of his own judo school in Elmira, New York. He’s stopped in to pick up information and, hopefully, sign up for a course – at age 87.  “I look forward to this. I hope it stays. You’ve got to encourage people to sign up.”

And not just for judo. Michelle Riccardelli is a certified Zumba instructor, and was invited to helm a class through Zumba manager Sharon Osorio, who is Jose’s wife. “It’s a fitness class, but more with Latin-based and other world music. I incorporate dancing with fitness.” The Zumba classes, held three times a week, are comprised of mostly females, but couples, including a few mom and daughter duos, also attend. “Zumba is a full body cardio workout: fitness with dancing moves. High intensity.”

Jessie Osorio is mom to students Skyler, 12 and Jessica, 9. “It (judo) teaches children to let out their aggressions in not such a violent way. It’s very disciplined, and teaches them respect and learning other cultures. It’s definitely exercise, definitely, but not aggressive.”

“We try to come early every day,” says Skylar, “and we always do the exercises. Exercises are fun.”

“If I get mad at my sister,” says Jessica, “I take it out on the mat.” She then smiles. “We share a life.”

Sharon Osorio weighs in regarding another Brick City Judo Club purpose. “We wanted to do something to have a workout and stay fit, that is both convenient and not breaking the bank.”

“There’s no contracts,” adds Ricardelli. “You’re not tied in (to a contract). It’s very intimate.”

Nadia Osorio, 10, is Sharon’s daughter. “It’s good to know how to defend yourself if you get in a fight,” And as to her dad teaching the class? “He instructs really good. Step-by-step – doesn’t run into it.”

And finally, the tiniest student – at least on this evening – is 9-year-old Kearny resident Audrey Munro. “I like it,” she says. “I like doing throws.”

Brick City Judo Club is offering a few Back-to-School specials. Sign up prior to 9/15 and get a special Back-to-School gift. Book now for September and get a 10% discount, or book for three months and get a 20% discount. If Zumba is for you, sign up now and get 12 lessons for the price of 10.

For information on all classes offered, as well as contact information, visit http://brickcityjudoclub.com/default.aspx.

Brick City Judo Club, 569 Washington Avenue, Belleville, http://brickcityjudoclub.com/default.asp.