If you get knocked down, get up, dust yourself off and start again.
That's the motto hundreds of kids participating the Northern Ontario Judo open brought to the mat on Saturday.
Collège Boréal's gymnasium was buzzing with families and young Judo fighters showing off their skills.
From a distance it may come across as an extremely physical martial arts form where people are pinned on the ground in a headlock or opponents are swept off their feet and sent flying in the air.
Tournament director Neil Tobey explains that's not the case.
“Judo is not a striking sport, its more of aggressive defense sport,” he said.
“It teaches you how to fall down. It teaches you respect and how to stand back up.”
The largest sanctioned judo event in Northern Ontario and drew more than 100 competitors in various divisions.
“We usually get clubs from the GTA and northern areas, Northern Ontario and even Quebec,” Tobey said. “This year the response has been huge. We had some clubs come in that we didn't even know were coming who brought 100 competitors. It's been great.”
But winning is not a criteria at this tournament.
Every year the tournament raises funds to send two kids to summer camp to hone their martial arts skills.
“The selection is not based on if the kids are winning,” Tobey said. “It is something called a a spirited judo award. It is if they are coming everyday with a smile, they help their team, and work hard, that goes a long way.”
If you want missed out on the quick moves, Sudbury.com has you covered.
Check out our photo gallery. Caution: do not try these moves at home!
