The International Judo Center Offers Training for Kids and Adults

The International Judo Center (IJC) in Flushing welcomes kids and adults for Judo training sessions. The IJC functions as an after-school center that is open to a young person's every need-- whether that is practicing Judo or looking for guidance with a personal issue.

The IJC offers a study corner for kids to do their homework or socialize as well as peer-to-peer initiatives that encourage young people to help one another in overcoming problems, anxieties, conflicts, and academic difficulties. In terms of their Judo training, the center’s athletes apply a great deal of dedication and discipline. They regularly compete on state, regional, national, and international levels while maintaining a high level of academic excellence at school.

Classes are held on the mats, which are maintained in excellent condition, thanks to the daily efforts of the staff and students. The center is operated by head Sensei Saro Balagezyan, fourth degree black belt, Pan-American Continental Coach, International Judo Referee, and president of the International Judo Center Student-Athlete Support Services, Inc. (IJC SASS). He devotes the greater part of his free time in the evenings to coaching. Saro has trained Judo his whole life, since he was eight years old. Judo has served him as a way of keeping his physical and mental health in check while quieting the stresses of everyday life in New York City. He began by donating his time at a local Judo school in Rego Park in 2007. It was a natural progression for Saro to start coaching.