On the bottom floor of the Warren Boys & Girls Club lies a champion’s dojo. It’s where 12-year-old’s Elijah and Jannaco have spent the past two years training in the martial art form Judo under the guidance of BGCMA alumnus Sensei Joshua White, who started his Judo training at the former W.W. Woolfolk Boys & Girls Club in Atlanta.
“I did Judo in my off time while playing basketball. I was able to take this all over the world. I won junior national titles, was a high school national champion, and became one of the top players in the country,” said Sensei White. “Now through my company, Black Ice Judo, I’m excited to give back the opportunity that was given to me.”
When it comes to training Elijah and Jannaco, Sensei White says the two are complete opposites, describing Elijah as a Jack-in-the-box who keeps to himself and Jannaco as a ball of fire with positive energy. “I know exactly what I’m going to get out Jannaco and I know nothing about what I’m going to get out of Elijah,” he said, “but both of them warm my heart when they come out to compete because they give it all they that they have.”
The humbleness they both exude off the mat is stark opposition to the dominance they exude on the mat. Collectively, the world class Judo champs have competed in hundreds of competitions across the world, acquiring titles in the Pan American Games, U.S. Open, and Caribbean Cup. In 2021, they earned gold medals in the Junior Olympics.
Their championship work ethic and attitude are not only seen through the gold medals they proudly wear. Warren Club Executive Director Gail Johnson says the boys’ championship mindset is seen each day after school.
“They show leadership in everything they do at the Club,” said Ms. Gail. “They are so modest. Nobody in the Club really knows they have all these Judo accolades. They don’t boast about anything. They understand Judo is the ‘gentle way,’ and they are gentle giants in the Club.”
For Elijah, he says learning Judo at the Warren Club helped him become a champion because he was able to break out of his shell and now has friends across the country and is able to communicate well. Elijah said being on the Judo mat “makes me feel cool, with everyone watching me.”
“I feel energized and excited on the mat,” said Jannaco. For Jannaco, he says emerging as a champion with the help of the Warren Club helped him channel his energy and learn new life skills.
