Bright smiles and happy faces.

Those were readily available recently when students in the Newtown Parks and Recreation’s judo program received their diplomas at the end of their first season. Boys and girls ages six to 14 trained under Christine Rinaldi, a second-degree black belt and member of the United States Judo Association.

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. At the age of 16, she became the youngest black belt in France.

The new judo program opened in September of last year. A new session will begin in October and it is expected that the students will start competing.

For those unfamiliar with the martial art, judo – which means “gentle way” – is not only concerned with attack and defense techniques, but the physical conditioning and total health of the student. It does not involve kicking and punching, like karate, but instead consists of standing throws and complex grappling techniques used both offensively and defensively.

“It is a vigorous competitive sport which requires physical and mental endurance,” said Mrs Rinaldi.

Judo is the only official competitive martial art sponsored at the Olympic Games.

“People find that judo teaches very useful skills,” said Mrs Rinaldi. “Some parents don’t know what to expect when they signed up their children. They discovered that judo builds strength and aerobic fitness while improving self-discipline, concentration, self-awareness, balance and coordination.”