There is good news for high school athletes looking to learn a new skill.

The Park and Recreation Department’s Judo club is expanding its membership to include those up to age 18. The Judo club completed the first half of the year and is getting ready to launch the second half and new members are encouraged to enroll.

The course begins this week, though you can enroll at any time thereafter. Classes are held at the Hawley School Gym.

Judo, which means the “gentle way,” is not only concerned with attack and defense techniques but the physical conditioning and total health that could be attained from its practice. The meaning of the word Ju (gentleness) denotes not resisting the strength of the opponent, but adapting to it, and taking advantage of it by turning it to one’s own advantage. The meaning of the word Do (way) denotes not just methods or techniques, but also signifies adherence to strict moral principles which are essential in striving for “self-perfection as a human being.”

Judo does not involve kicking and punching. It should not be mistaken with karate, as it has nothing in common. Judo is Japanese wrestling consisting of standing throws and complex grappling techniques used both offensively and defensively, as well as falling techniques for safety. It is a vigorous competitive sport that requires both physical and mental endurance. Judo is practiced by people of all ages, and is the ONLY official competitive martial art that is sponsored by the Olympic Games (since 1964).

The judo team, made up of boys and girls ages 7 to 18, is led by Christine Rinaldi. Mrs. Rinaldi holds a judo- jujitsu degree from the Kodokan of Japan, from the French Judo Federation and from the National College of Black Belts. She is a second degree black belt and a member of the United States Judo Association. At the age of 16 she became the youngest black belt in France and trained many years in several European countries.

For information call the Parks and Recreation department or the instructor at 203-270-9468.