Ana Vindberg arrived at the College with preconceptions about her limitations. Now, she’s proving herself wrong one Judo throw at a time. In the latest ‘Talking Point’ column for the Hereford Times, Ana reveals how she discovered a sport that transcends sight, builds confidence, and empowers her in ways she never imagined
Before coming to RNC, Judo was the last thing I ever imagined myself doing. I doubted my parents would like the idea of their blind child taking up a martial art, and honestly, I didn’t think I would grow to love it as much as I do. But like many things, that changed as soon as I started at RNC.I’ve now been practising Judo for almost half the academic year, and the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that my eyesight has nothing to do with how good I can be at a sport. Judo isn’t about seeing – it’s about feeling. I’ve learned to follow my partner’s movements, adapt to different throwing combos, and react quickly. More than that, it’s a fantastic way to stay active, even if it’s just once a week.Judo has become more than just exercise for me. It’s an outlet to burn off stress, build confidence, and be part of a supportive group of people who understand the challenges of visual impairment. It’s proof that my ability isn’t defined by sight, but by practise, and a willingness to try something new.
What excites me most is seeing how much I’ll improve over my three years here. Beyond that, learning a martial art gives me a sense of reassurance—I know that if I ever need to, I can defend myself.
All in all, I would absolutely recommend for anyone to give Judo a shot. At the very least, it’s a fun thing to tell your friends about.
