Alessandro & Judo
In judo we learn that it is important to help others and that we become better as our teammates become better. With Alessandro we have a very special opportunity to help and to become better.
As a matter of fact, Alessandro has been doing judo at Hanabi since he was three years old. When you do judo with him, you may notice he is different from other kids.
Alessandro is different though because he’s autistic: he talks and acts differently
from other children.
For Alessandro, it takes a bit more time for him to understand and respond to
people.
It’s a bit like there’s a traffic jam between his thoughts and his words. It can take
him a while to express his thoughts.
Often when someone asks him a question he doesn’t respond; he may not look at
you.
However, that doesn’t mean we can’t talk to him! We may just have to do things differently. We can…
Say his name a couple of times so he knows you are talking to him. “ALESSANDRO, ALESSANDRO!”
Be sure to stand right in front of him where he can see you.
If you are tall you can lean down a bit so he can see your face better.
Ask your question again if he doesn’t answer.
Speak a bit slower.
When Alessandro talks, sometimes you may not understand all of his words. Or he may repeat himself a few times. Or talk slowly and quietly.
That’s ok. He really appreciates when you are patient and give him extra time to
speak.
Even though he’s shy, Alessandro really likes to be around kids. He just needs some extra help and encouragement from you.
And don’t you be shy with him!
Alessandro is a very gentle person. When it’s his turn to throw, he doesn’t push hard. He is very easy to knock over. He doesn’t usually push back.
We have to teach him to be strong! We have to say “Go Alessandro! You can do it!
Push harder! Fight, Alessandro, fight!”
At Hanabi we learn all of the steps of a technique together.
For example, when we do Osoto Gari we say, “Right Hand Grip! Step with your left foot. Pull tight. Make an L. Make a T!”
When you are with Alessandro slow down and do each step with him. Use your hands to move his arms or legs. Help him to get it right.
We do this with all of our students when they first learn. We will do it with Alessandro
too.
The motto of judo is “Jita Kyoei“ or “Mutual Welfare and Benefit for All”.
As Alessandro learns and becomes stronger we, at Hanabi, all become stronger.
We all benefit.
Thank you, Alessandro!
Do you remember…
What are some ways to get Alessandro’s attention?
How can you help Alessandro at judo?
