About CRAWL Martial Arts
CRAWL is an early learning martial arts program inspired by Judo — the Japanese art of balance, respect, and movement.
Our classes are designed for ages 2–4, giving parents and toddlers a chance to learn, move, and grow together in a fun, structured, and culturally rich environment.
What Is Judo?
Judo (柔道) means “the gentle way.” It was founded by Professor Jigoro Kano, who believed that through mutual welfare and benefit, people could grow stronger both physically and morally. His teachings emphasized balance — not just in movement, but in life.
Kano’s philosophy, known as Seiryoku Zenyo (maximum efficiency, minimum effort) and Jita Kyoei (mutual welfare and benefit), reminds us that Judo is more than a martial art — it is a way to improve oneself and contribute positively to the community. These ideas are at the heart of every CRAWL class.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower toddlers ages 2–4 years old through martial arts.
We strive to instill core values of Confidence, Respect, Awareness, Willpower, and Leadership in our young students while providing a safe and enjoyable family environment.
Through fun and engaging activities, toddlers are equipped with essential skills that benefit them for years to come, laying the foundation for their future success.
We also aim to create growth for martial art schools around the world by offering curriculum packages, innovative merchandise solutions, and instructor training programs. By joining our CRAWL community, martial art schools can expand their offerings and attract a new generation of students.
Our Story — Passing on the Spirit of Judo
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 runs deep in my family. My grandfather discovered the art and opened his own dojo, where he coached my father, Jimmy Pedro. My father went on to open what we know today as Pedro’s Judo Center in Wakefield, Massachusetts — a place where students of all ages learn discipline, respect, and resilience. I grew up on those mats, learning firsthand how powerful Judo can be in shaping both character and community.
My grandmother was born in Kyushu, Japan, and my mother was born on Okinawa. As a third-generation Japanese American, I’ve always felt a deep connection to my heritage. Every time I step on the mat, I feel that legacy come alive — the bridge between my family’s past in Japan and our present here in the United States.
For us, Judo has never been just about competition or medals. It has always been about perseverance, humility, and honor — principles that reflect the spirit of Japan itself. Through CRAWL, I hope to share those same lessons with families everywhere, giving parents and toddlers a joyful and meaningful first step into the world of martial arts.
Why CRAWL Matters
At its core, CRAWL Martial Arts is about planting seeds. We’re not just preparing children for the next level of martial arts — we’re giving them values that last a lifetime: confidence in themselves, respect for others, awareness of their surroundings, willpower to overcome challenges, and leadership within their communities.
The name CRAWL represents both these values and the early stage of life where learning is playful, exploratory, and full of discovery. Through our program, parents and toddlers step on the mat together, building strong bonds while experiencing lessons that are as old as the 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.
Join us at CRAWL Martial Arts and be part of a movement that empowers toddlers, enriches communities, and transforms lives.
