By: Pamela Stern
Three members of the Boston family are part of the Starrett Judo Club. Elijah, Noah, and Nathaniel Boston all started in judo during the summer session in 2023. While they started in the summer, they showed off their moves at the Tyrick Smith-Carter Tournament.
You may be wondering how did these boys become interested in judo. “My husband knew Coach Legros (from IS 364 where Coach Legros was a physical education instructor and taught my husband’s sister) and we thought it would be good for our sons to build up their confidence, learn to defend themselves and by learning judo it would expose them to something different, a different culture,” said Tiphanie Boston (the boys mom).
When the boys saw the kids on the mat, they thought it was interesting and they were curious. Seeing the club and how the members fight along with how disciplined they were intrigued the three boys.
What do you like about Judo?
Elijah stated that he enjoys learning the judo movements. Uug Gary is his favorite move because it showcases the element of surprise, while his brother Noah loves
Kenny Oh Toshi because it helps you to defend yourself from other people’s attacks and then I can defend myself from Diangelo (a fellow judo member of the Starrett Judo Club), while Nathaniel’s favorite move is Osoto Gary because this move is where you can throw people easily.
Elijah, Noah, and Nathaniel all love being in Judo and it shows in their enthusiasm.
“We love Judo because of the friends that we have made, the moves that we learn, and of course the jokes that Coach Legros makes. He makes us laugh while we are learning. I like meeting new people in the tournaments and fighting them to see their style of judo. I have been in four tournaments and I have received two Bronze medals, a Silver and a Gold medal ,” said Elijah.
Noah enjoys judo a lot because Coach Legros teaches him a lot. “I learned a move called the Backstroke, which is a way of getting you inside a Holddown. Noah has participated in four tournaments, and the last one was in Staten Island. “When I got thrown it made me learn to get stronger, and by participating in the tournaments that allowed me to get stronger,” said Noah. Noah has achieved three Bronze medals, and one Silver medal.
Nathaniel enjoys everything about judo especially learning all of the new moves. He has been in four tournaments. Prior to each tournament he feels a few different emotions; happy, excited, and nervous. Nathaniel has brought home two Bronze medals, a Silver and a Gold medal. “When I received the gold medal, I felt confident when I walked onto that mat. That really made me feel good!,” said Nathaniel.
How often do they practice Judo at home?
Elijah practices judo outside of his home with his dad for strength training. He does push-ups, quenches, sit-ups, he lifts weights with his dad. Elijah wears a weight vest, and gloves when he is running. “Everyday I practice. Sometimes I practice with my brothers and I use the simple moves that I learned like Osto Gary and foot sweeps, Kosi Goto Ma with Tai Ma a Toshi leg,” said Elijah.
Noah practices everyday by doing push-ups, sit-ups, knees, and judo push-ups, Judo Spiderman, sometimes he practices with Elijah.
“I practice everyday with my daddy, Noah, and his three year old sister, Riley. We run up and down the stairs, we do crab walks, and push-ups. They always help me practice,” said Nathaniel.
“I love the jokes that Coach Legros tells us. That makes it fun. I like the stories that he tells us. I know he is an Olympian. He told us how he practiced for the Olympics, he ran the track every day. He was persistent to make it to the Olympics. He does push-ups, pull-ups, and quenches, judo moves. It made me want to learn more about Judo. Someday I would like to be an Olympian. I would workout, and eat healthy foods. I am trying to always be healthy. I have three medals, two gold, and one silver. I like to meet new people, learn how to defend myself, and learn the judo moves and the gentle way of Judo,” said Elijah.
“I like that Coach Legros helps me focus and teaches me new judo moves, and I like that he plays practical jokes on me. Yes, because it is one year that I have been in Judo now. I think that I will win a medal at the next tournament. All of us have our medals displayed so everyone can see them. I help my mom cook and enjoy Coach Legros’ nutrition classes. We cut up the food and prepare the foods on the stove with my mom. I also trains 24/7 for upcoming tournaments,” said Noah.
“Coach Legros always teaches us, I like how he teaches us so when I go to the tournaments I come home with medals. It’s amazing but, someday I would like to go to the Olympics. I will train hard for it. I will also eat healthy and eat cucumbers, kiwis, tomatoes, and pasta. I look forward to the Tyrick Smith-Carter tournament and participating in it,”said Nathaniel.
“I actually enjoy the Nutrition classes. It breaks up the things that I am cooking for my family on a nightly basis. The other chefs teach the kids the background and science of the foods. I like that Coach Legros gives the benefits of the foods that he is using in the recipe. Black Rice was a popular dish, it was a little bit spicey but they enjoyed it. They all like Legrospices, “ said Tiphanie Boston.
“I love judo. It makes me happy because I can fight competitively in tournaments and I can achieve medals,” said Nathaniel.
“ My kids enjoy participating in Coach Legros cooking and nutrition classes on Zoom. They like cutting up the foods, and it makes them more confident and it fosters independence. This allows them an opportunity where they can learn how to make healthy choices on their own. It makes them more aware of what they put into their bodies, “ said Tiphanie Boston.
“My daughter, Riley is going to be three years old and she is already picking up on all of the moves and she even referees the boys while they are practicing. She even tries to fight them. She hasn’t enrolled yet but might in the near future. We are grateful for our judo community. It has been a lovely year for competitive sports. It’s a family and we are building lifelong connections here at the Starrett Judo Club,” said Tiphanie Boston.
Photos courtesy of: Tiphanie Boston
