BY KATE HARMON
The Inserra children use the art of pins, arm locks and choking techniques to stay at the top of judo competition in the whole nation.
Willie, 12, learned judo when he was 4 and is currently ranked third in the nation. He said his favorite things about judo are going to tournaments and throwing.
He and his 9-year-old sister, Sophia, began practicing judo when they were 4.
The youngest sibling, Giuseppi, 6, started at age 3.
Judo focuses on self-discipline and respect while enabling participants to gain self-confidence and physical strength.
Their desire to practice the sport, which developed from the art of fighting, came from their father, who used to wrestle.
"Ever since they were young we always fooled around in the living room and wrestled around," Bill Inserra said. "They look at that like that's how you play."
Last year, Willie finished second in the Virginia state championships, and has racked up several awards in past years.
Along with his third-in-the-nation title, Willie is a two-time state judo champion in Florida, where the Inserras used to live.
Sophia and Giuseppi are 2007 Virginia state champions in their age and weight groups.
Sophia participated in only one tournament this year.
Giuseppi competed at the national level, taking home a gold and a silver, but was too young to be ranked nationally. National ranking begins at 8 years old, Bill Inserra said.
At competitions, participants are given points along with each place they win.
His children were all exposed to judo around the same age, and it was up to them to decide whether they wanted to continue.
"We introduced them [to judo] at an early age and they took right to it, like a fish to water," he said.
The children's mother, Nelsy, said it was always their choice to continue. Willie balances his love of football with his judo.
"Anything having to do with tackling, he loves," she said.
Willie's favorite thing about football is that he "gets to hit people with pads."
Willie and Giuseppi practice four or five days a week. Sophia has a lighter judo load, training only three days a week and reserving the other days for dance.Kate Harmon: 540/374-5000, ext. 5779
Email: kharmon@freelancestar.com
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