Photo byUriel SoberanesonUnsplash

In the upper left corner of the United States, surrounded by the towering Cascades, the lush rainforests, and the shimmering waters of Puget Sound, lies the state of Washington, affectionately known as WA. Now, WA isn't just known for its catchy abbreviation, it's also a place where cool kids put on their Judo gis and earn their stripes, or rather, their belts. Meet Jasper the Judo Jaguar, a burly, boisterous big cat with a heart as soft as his fur. Jasper loves nothing more than teaching the kids of WA how to tumble, roll, and pin like pro Judo artists. His loud roars of laughter often bounce off the gym walls whenever one of his students performs a move perfectly. The kids themselves are nothing short of awesome. Each one is a bundle of energy, laughter and determination, wrapped in a Judo robe and a belt that changes color as they progress. They come in all shapes, sizes, and volumes. Some are as quiet as a mouse, while others are as loud as a car alarm that just won't turn off. But when it comes to Judo, they all speak the same language. They might tumble like bouncy balls, roll like roly-poly bugs, and pin like pro wrestlers on a sugar rush, but each one of them is a champion in their own right. Learning from Jasper, they understand the importance of discipline, respect, and a good belly laugh. After all, who can resist a good giggle when Jasper slips on a banana peel and ends up pinned under a life-size cutout of himself? And that, dear friends, is a typical day in WA for the kids who participate in Judo activity.