by Jake Pierides —
My relationship with Judo has continuously evolved since I began practicing this incredible martial art 15 years ago. Over time, Judo has taught me two defining lessons—discipline and perseverance—which have shaped both my personal and professional life. I first learned discipline as a young beginner on the mat, then developed perseverance through years of competition and adversity, and today I actively apply both lessons as I navigate adulthood, career, and everyday challenges.
The first stage of my Judo journey spanned ages 10 to 12, when my primary focus was learning discipline. At that time, I worked on improving my fitness, developing fundamental techniques, and understanding the structure and expectations required to be a Judoka. This discipline laid the foundation for success not only in sports, but also in academics and life beyond the dojo. One core memory from this period involved forgetting to hang up my Judo gi so it wouldn’t wrinkle. While it seemed like a small mistake, it became one of the first times I truly experienced the consequences of irresponsibility. After two warnings, Sensei explained that a third offense would result in doing push-ups for the entire class. I didn’t believe him—until I arrived once again with a wrinkled gi and spent a full hour doing push-ups. Experiences like this reinforced the importance of accountability and discipline.
The second stage of my Judo career occurred between ages 13 and 17, when perseverance became the central lesson. During this time, I began winning local tournaments and set my sights on regional and national competition. My first major event was Pedro’s Judo Challenge in Boston, which was not only my first large tournament but also my first trip without my parents. Determined to make the experience worthwhile, I entered three divisions, only to lose every match in under ten seconds. Sensei Saro expected those losses to cause me to quit, but instead they ignited a deeper drive to improve. I returned to practice the next day with renewed focus, trained relentlessly, and came back to the same tournament the following year to earn a bronze medal in a division of fifteen competitors. This experience defined my understanding of perseverance—pushing forward despite failure, discomfort, and doubt—a lesson reinforced through countless weight cuts, tournaments, and training camps in the years that followed.
The third stage of my Judo journey, which I am currently experiencing, has been about applying these lessons beyond the mat. As my focus shifted toward college and work, the discipline and perseverance I developed through Judo became tools I relied on daily. They enabled me to earn a degree from Fordham, build a career in finance, and pursue the CFA designation. While my priorities have evolved, my connection to Judo remains strong. I still return to the dojo at least once a week to teach new students, reconnect with lifelong friends, and relieve the pressures of everyday life. Sensei always said that the best remedy after a long day is stepping onto the mat, and that has proven undeniably true. While I don’t know what my future holds, I am certain that Judo will always be a part of it.