EVERY
BLACK BELT
STARTED HERE.
Every Judoka begins somewhere. Your first step onto the mat is the beginning of a journey built on confidence, respect, friendship and progress.
BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY ↓EVERYONE
STARTS SOMEWHERE.
You don’t need to know anything about Judo before you begin.
Whether you’re a child stepping onto the mat for the first time, a parent supporting a new Judoka or an adult looking for a new challenge, the most important thing is simply to get started.
Judo is a journey of learning. You’ll develop new skills, build confidence, make friends and discover just how much you’re capable of achieving.
YOUR JOURNEY
STARTS HERE.
There is no need to rush. Every new skill builds on the one before it.
STEP ONTO
THE MAT.
Meet your coaches, get to know your training partners and become familiar with the dojo. Everyone remembers being a beginner.
LEARN TO
FALL SAFELY.
One of the first skills you’ll learn is ukemi — how to fall safely. This helps you build confidence before learning more techniques.
BUILD YOUR
TECHNIQUE.
You’ll begin learning how to move, balance, grip and practise fundamental Judo techniques with guidance from your coaches.
LEARN
RESPECT.
Judo teaches us to look after our training partners, listen to our coaches and practise with courtesy, patience and self-control.
TRAIN.
LEARN. GROW.
With regular practice, techniques become more familiar and confidence grows. Progress comes from persistence, not perfection.
CELEBRATE
PROGRESS.
As your skills develop, your coaches can guide you towards appropriate grading opportunities and new challenges.
THE LITTLE THINGS
THAT MATTER.
A few simple habits will help you feel comfortable, prepared and ready to learn.
YOUR
JUDOGI.
The traditional Judo uniform is called a judogi. It consists of a jacket, trousers and belt.
If you are attending your first session and don’t yet have a judogi, check with the club about suitable clothing before you arrive.
COMFORTABLE • PRACTICAL • SAFEREADY
TO TRAIN.
Keep fingernails and toenails short, remove jewellery and tie back long hair securely.
Bring water and wear footwear when walking off the mat. Always tell your coach if you are injured or feeling unwell.
SAFETY COMES FIRSTBRING
RESPECT.
Arrive ready to listen, participate and learn. Bowing is a traditional way of showing respect in Judo.
Be considerate of others, follow your coach’s instructions and remember that everyone learns at their own pace.
RESPECT • COURTESY • FRIENDSHIPPROGRESS
IS A JOURNEY.
As you continue training, you’ll build your understanding of Judo and develop new skills. Gradings provide opportunities to recognise that progress.
Different grading pathways apply depending on age and the relevant Judo organisation. Your coaches will explain what is appropriate for you and when you may be ready.
MEET YOUR COACHES ↗GOOD JUDO
STARTS WITH
RESPECT.
Listen carefully to your coach and follow instructions.
Bow respectfully when entering and leaving the mat, and when instructed.
Look after your training partners and practise techniques with control.
Keep your uniform clean and the training area tidy.
Ask questions whenever you are unsure — learning is what training is for.
Encourage others and enjoy being part of the club.
NEW TO
JUDO?
It’s natural to have questions before you begin. Here are a few things new Judoka often want to know.
DO I NEED ANY EXPERIENCE?+
No. Beginners are welcome. Your coach will help you start with the foundations and develop at a suitable pace.
DO I NEED A JUDO UNIFORM STRAIGHT AWAY?+
Contact the club before your first session to check what clothing is suitable and when you will need a judogi.
WILL I BE EXPECTED TO COMPETE?+
Competition can be an exciting part of Judo, but not everyone trains for the same reasons. Speak with your coach about your interests and goals.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A NEW BELT?+
Progress varies from person to person and depends on the relevant grading requirements. Your coaches can explain the grading pathway for your age and experience.
WHAT IF I FIND SOMETHING DIFFICULT?+
That’s a normal part of learning. Ask your coach for help, keep practising and remember that everyone develops at their own pace.
WHERE CAN I LEARN THE JUDO VALUES?+
Our Judo Moral Code page introduces the eight values that guide the way we train and treat one another.
YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE GREAT TO START.
YOU HAVE TO START TO GROW.
TRAIN. LEARN. PROGRESS.
YOUR JOURNEY
STARTS HERE.
Take the first step. Come along, meet the coaches and discover what Judo can offer you.