My name is Casey Pedro and I am the founder of CRAWL Martial Arts. In 2018, this program was created not only to teach toddlers and parents the sport of judo, but also to share something even deeper: the Japanese culture and values that live within this martial art.
Judo originated in Japan, and every part of the practice is tied to the Japanese way of life. From the bow at the beginning of class, to the emphasis on respect, to the philosophy of mutual welfare and benefit (jita kyoei), the practice carries meaning far beyond the mats. CRAWL Martial Arts is built around these values. Martial arts is the vehicle we use to share confidence, respect, awareness, willpower, and leadership values that children can carry into every part of their lives.
A Family Tradition
Judo runs deep in my family. My grandfather was the first to discover the art and fell in love with it. He opened his own dojo and began coaching my father, Jimmy Pedro. My father went on to open what we know today as Pedro’s Judo Center in Wakefield, Massachusetts.
Pedro's Judo Center grew into a community where students of all ages could learn discipline, respect, and resilience. It also became my second home. I grew up on those mats, learning from my father and grandfather, and experiencing firsthand how powerful judo can be in shaping both character and community.
Judo in my family is more than just a sport; it is part of our heritage. My grandmother was born in Kyushu, Japan, and my mother was born on Okinawa. From a young age, I understood that I carried this legacy with me. The discipline, respect, and values practiced through judo are the same principles deeply rooted in Japanese culture and tradition. As a third-generation Japanese American, I feel a powerful connection to my heritage every time I step on the mat.
For us, judo has never been just about competition or winning medals. It has always been about honoring the lessons of perseverance, humility, and honor, principles that reflect the spirit of Japan itself. Through Pedro’s Judo Center, our family continues to share these traditions with the community, helping students grow not only as athletes but also as individuals.
Judo has become a bridge between our past and our future. It connects my family’s roots in Japan with our present here in the United States, and it is something we are proud to carry forward for generations to come.
Why CRAWL Matters
At its core, CRAWL Martial Arts is about planting seeds. We are not just preparing children for the next level of martial arts. We are giving them values that will last a lifetime: confidence in themselves, respect for others, awareness of their surroundings, willpower to overcome challenges, and leadership in their communities.
The name CRAWL comes from these very values, but it also reflects the early stage of life where learning is playful, exploratory, and full of discovery. Through carefully designed classes, parents and toddlers step on the mat together, building strong bonds while absorbing lessons that are as old as the martial art itself.
Judo has given so much to my family. CRAWL Martial Arts is my way of giving back to the sport, to my heritage, and to the next generation.
This is our story, and I invite you to be part of it.
