Martial Arts Mom

By Kelly Sharp

  Corrine Hickman comforts son Kyle after a long day of judo competition.

    Mom and sons have embraced a sport that teaches focus, fitness and develops confidence. Thirty-five year-old Corinne Hickman of Prince George with sons Tyson (12 years-old) and Kyle (7 years-old) are judokas for the Prince George Judo Club.  Learning self defense was one of the motives for the single-mom to enroll her family into the sport which translates from Japanese as the “gentle way”. After a second year in judo Hickman has seen her sons continue to grow both on and off the judo mats.

“I am so proud of them,” said Hickman. She credits judo with helping Tyson and Kyle learn valuable social skills and the ability to focus better in the classroom.

“Judo is about balance, learning the mental and physical side of the sport while respecting your opponent,” added the Prince George mother.

As for her first competitive match, “I totally caved,” replied Corrine. “It was 2 minutes of not knowing what I was doing,” laughed Hickman. After the 2 exhibition matches in Vernon against a vastly experienced judoka, she entered the Prince George Judo Club tournament at the Civic Centre. The 4-competitior women’s division saw Corrine Hickman capture a silver medal.

“Her progress has been amazing,” said Prince George Judo Club coach Katie Edgson.

“She is a really fast learner, adults learn faster because they want to learn.”

Every Monday morning Edgson conducts an all women’s class of judo.

“We start with baby steps,” added Edgson who would like to add more women to the class which includes child care.

“I can’t remember the last time I had done a summersault before joining judo,” Hickman said.

Next week mom and sons will back at the Prince George Judo Club practicing for another judo tournament.

“We are pretty proud what we have done,” said Corrine Hickman.

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