What to expect on your first session.
So you’re thinking about trying Judo? First off, let’s address the elephant in the dojo: it’s perfectly normal to feel intimidated. Walking into a room of people wearing heavy white pajamas and throwing each other onto the floor isn’t your average Tuesday evening.
But here’s the secret: every black belt you see started exactly where you are now, wondering how to tie their belt and hoping they don’t accidentally throw themselves on the floor! This basic roadmap will guide you through your first 30 days of Judo at United Judo.
Getting you prepped and ready
When you come into the dojo you’ll most likely be greeted by one of our fantastic reception staff or coach on the mat. If this is your first time doing Judo, let someone know and we can provide you with something to wear (Judogi) and point you to our facilities such as a place to get a drink, changing rooms, toilets, and audience seating area.
Unlike some other martial arts, Judo was crafted upon the philosophy of learning from one another – you’re not just here to beat each other up. The literal translation of the Japanese word Judo, means “The Gentle Way”.
The atmosphere: etiquette and the "Rei"
Judo is more than a sport and here at United we respect where it’s come from and developed over the years to where it is today. When you first enter the dojo (training hall) you’ll notice a few traditions. When people or judoka enter the dojo, they bow as a sign of respect. When you get on and off the mat it’s good etiquette to do the same, bow on and bow off at the end of the session.
Before and after a fight it’s normal to bow once more, each of these bows shows your respect for the sport, the opponent and the place of practice because without the sprung mat and great facility, throws hurt a lot more on concrete!
Your most important skill: learning how to fall safely
In most sports, falling is a mistake. In Judo, falling is a skill. Before you learn how to throw others, you must learn Ukemi (breakfalling). Ukemi teaching you how to dissipate the force of a landing so you can get up on your feet without a scratch. Once you realise hitting the mat doesn’t hurt when done correctly your confidence and progression will skyrocket.
The rest will be history
After learning how to safely fall, basic etiquette and the dojo your fully qualified coach and coaching assistant will guide you through various other techniques with the aim to push your skill level in every session. You’ll often be paired with others of similar ability or someone the coach knows you can learn from, so don’t be threatened if they pair you with a black belt or a coach themselves. Learning from higher grades is often the natural path of progression, the first step is diving right in.
Ready to try it?
Contact us today or pick a session, we’d be happy to have you!