·         How long are your classes and what do they contain?

Classes are 60 minutes long on Monday and Sunday. Wednesday is and 90 minutes. Classes consist of warm up exercises, uchikomi (standing throwing drills), newaza uchikomi (ground fighting drills), newaza randori (ground fighting sparring with different partners), and tachiwaza randori (standing sparring with different partners.) 

·         Can I try Judo without joining the club?

A two week try out is available with no financial obligation.

·         What can I expect from my first class?

Depending on your experience, you will be paired up with an experienced member who will introduce you to the various components of the class and basic techniques. You will set your own pace of learning. Falls and body movement are covered. Try and arrive a little early as we will need to find some judo clothes to fit you.  Wear sweat pants bottoms and a tee shirt. Make sure hand and toe nails are short. Don't wear anything metal-like jewelry, metal hair clasps, ear rings, studs,  or a watch. At the start of the lesson the class kneels facing the teacher (Sensei)  and bows. (Mutual respect is an important part of Judo). One of the coaches or senior students leads the class in a warm up and stretching, the warm up is very important in preventing injury so get into the habit of doing it properly. If this is your first night you will probably learn how to fall and roll without hurting yourself and maybe a simple hold down or throw. Judo does involve close physical contact with other judo students which might feel a bit strange at first but you soon get used to it. At the end we kneel in belt order and bow to each other again. We hope you enjoy your first night at Judo and that it's the first of many.

·         Does it hurt to get thrown? 

Not if you fall properly and absorb the force of the throw with a 'break fall'. We regularly practice break falls and the coaches emphasize the safety aspects of each technique. If you get thrown and forget to break fall then it can hurt, therefore we practice falling most weeks so that break falls become instinctive.  In Judo the 'thrower' is taught to take care of their partner by protecting their head and neck. In Judo you must both throw and be thrown in order to learn both sides of the technique. If the techniques are done as instructed then injury is very uncommon. If 'big' throws are being learned we use a crash pad to cushion your landing or perform it more slowly initially. Judokas who ignore others safety will be excluded.  Note however that Judo is a physical combat sport and the occasional bump is to be expected

·         Do I need a uniform to start class?

It is not necessary, but it would be good to have one. Send us an email and indicate that you need a gi for your first class in your email along with your height and weight.  We have loaner gi tops available. Wear sweat pants.

·         Where do I get the uniform?

A basic white, single-weave uniform is sufficient for starting judo.  You can purchase a beginner uniform from Santa Clarita Judo if you join. There are uniforms available at any martial arts supply store, including many internet stores.

·         Why do you bow in class?

Bowing in judo is a gesture of respect, much like a handshake. It is not subservient and it has no religious significance.

·         Will I get to spar?

If you are taking a trial-basis free class, you will be asked to observe the randori  (sparring), otherwise you will spar in a safe and controlled way with our senior students, usually from the very first day. 

·         What is the difference between Judo and jujutsu?

Judo is the modern scientific application of selected jujutsu techniques that may be practiced for self-development, physical education and sport. Jujutsu retains more dangerous self -defense techniques, while Judo can generally be practiced with full force and complete safety.

·         What are some of the working principles of Judo?

The use of balance and off-balancing. The use of leverage to achieve greater power. Taking advantage of the opponent’s strength. Taking advantage of the opponent’s weaknesses. The value of yielding and giving way. The proper application of timing, momentum and force.

·         How fit do you need to be to do Judo? 

To start to learn judo as a beginner you just need to be of average fitness for your age. You will soon get fitter as your judo career develops. If you have any serious health issues which may be a concern or are not in good health then please discuss starting judo with your doctor before trying Judo. In general Judo will improve your fitness level, balance and flexibility.

·         Do girls do Judo? 

Yes they certainly do.  The only difference is that girls must wear a tee shirt or leotard under their Judo Gi. If they have long hair this should be in plaits or tied back. At club level girls and boys practice together but in most tournaments girls will only face other girls of similar age, weight and ability.

 

·         What is the ethos or etiquette of Judo? 

Sportsmanship, politeness, good manners, common decency are all part of Judo. All students of Judo are expected to train themselves in Judo Etiquette and make it part of their Judo. In doing so a student will eventually understand the principle and spirit of Judo.

The following should be observed:

1. Respect your Sensei (Teacher) and all others in the dojo

2. Be quiet in the Dojo (Judo Hall)- before, during and after your lesson.

3. Do not indulge in “horseplay” in the Dojo- especially running about and being noisy while another class is on the mat.

4. Keep your body clean

5. Keep your finger and toe-nails short

6. Frequently wash your Judogi (Judo Suit)

7. Never use Judo techniques outside of the Dojo

8. When stepping onto or off a Tatami, one should bow (Tatami means Mat)

9. Before and after a practice one should bow to their partner 

·         What do the different belt colors mean? 

The belt colors signify the judo player's skill and experience in Judo.
The Junior colors are : white ,yellow, orange, green, bBlue, purple and brown.
Seniors colors are  white, yellow, orange, green, and 3 browns.
For advanced Judoka colors are 3 black belts, black and red for 4th and 5th, red and white for 6th through 8th and red for 9th and 10th.
·         How can I progress through the belt system? 

Mainly by watching and listening to the Sensei (teacher) and by practicing the techniques shown and explained to you. More important than the color of your belt is having a solid foundation of good judo, Points are given for competition and other Judo functions. When the Sensei sees that you are ready you will be tested on the techniques you have learned at the next club grading. The appropriate techniques for your level are practiced regularly in the run up to a grading and at the grading itself you won’t be asked to do anything you have not already practiced in your lessons.  The course requirements are on the club web site.