Beginners are welcome any time

Interested then come along and watch a training session or join in.

Just give us some knowledge of your state of fitness. If you have any old injuries or medical conditions that might restrict your activities but would  like to try judo then talk to or email Sensei John and together a decision can be made as to whether it is possible for you to do judo.

Your first lesson will be how to break your fall, so when you do get thrown you will be pleasantly surprised that it does not hurt.

What does it cost

• You pay a mat fee when you turn up for training.
• You will need to take out Martial Arts Insurance, this can be arranged through the club – fill out a form and give us your money.
• The first years membership and Insurance is £5.00, annual renewal is £5.00 (correct for 2013). Special rates for family membership.
• Gradings are held twice a year; competitions and courses give club members the opportunity to meet and train with other judoka.
• Social events are organised for young and not-so-young – attendance is not compulsory but recommended.

What to wear – this applies to all ages.

To start with you do not need any special clothing. Just wear loose fitting long trousers and a high necked, long sleeved loose fitting top;  clothing you can more around in easily and you don’t mind being pulled around – avoid anything with zips and/or  buttons and anything that might rip or tear easily. All jewellery must be removed.  Shoulder length hair should be secured with a soft elastic band – no metal or plastic slides or grips.

No special footwear is needed as judo is done in bare feet, so short nails are essential. A pair of soft slip-on shoes are useful to keep by the edge of the mat.  Judoka should not walk off the mat in bare feet as this can carry dirt onto the mat – not nice when your face will be coming into contact with the tatami (mat).

You will soon realise why judoka (people who do judo) wear white pyjamas (gi) – and that there is a difference between a judo-gi and the white pyjamas worn for other martial arts. Judo gi’s need to be made from much heavier weight materials otherwise they rip! For normal training at Blackwater JC (Maldon) only white gi’s are acceptable, only International competitors should wear Blue.

Once you are hooked Sensei can sell you a judo gi (thick white pyjamas). For modesty girls and women wear a long , white,  high-necked, short-sleeved tee-shirt under their jacket; boys do not.