Frequently Asked Questions
はじめ (hajimi) ~ begin, referee's command to start a judo contest
Here you will find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the sport of Judo and our club.
Is Judo related to Jiu-jitsu?
Yes! If grappling arts are a family, Judo is the older brother to sports like Jiu-jitsu and Sambo.
Judo was founded by Jigaro Kano in 1882 and it was developed from Japanese Jujutsu and other related martial arts.
Mitsuyo Maeda, one of Jigaro Kano’s top students went to Brazil in 1914 and taught what the Brazilians called 'Kano Ju-jutsu'.
As the Brazilian’s evolved their version of the sport, it was re-monikered 'Brazilian Jiu-jitsu'.
Do I have to be physically fit to take part?
Absolutely not, you will get into shape as you train and participate in classes, progressing through the ranking system which in turn will enable you to perform the judo techniques, we have Judoka of all ages, sizes and abilities.
What kit do I need?
You will eventually need to buy a judogi, but for your first free taster session and subsequent few visits, simply wear some loose fitting trousers, such as tracksuit bottoms and a t-shirt, we can then provide you with a belt and jacket (or if you wish, we can loan you a complete judogi for a small deposit).
The club also supplies suitable judogi from 'Fighting Films' to purchase at competitive rates.
Am I too old or too young to start Judo?
Nope! You are not too old or young to begin judo training, Judoka regularly start from 5 years old through to their 50's and even older. Judo is a practical and effective sport that can be a whole of life activity.
How long does it take to get a black belt?
This all depends on the individual and various factors including how much time and effort you commit to Judo, but as a rule of thumb anything from 2-10 years.
Why should I choose Vale Judo?
Judo clubs vary, a lot!
Vale Judo Club aims to accommodate all judo activity from young recreational beginners to national academy level competitive judoka.
You are welcome to visit us anytime to meet our friendly, professional and disciplined coaching team.
What should I wear under my Gi?
We would recommend wearing a pair of athletic shorts and a compression shirt under your gi, or at the very least a plain coloured t-shirt and suitable underwear.
Should I be concerned about getting injured?
Judo, like most martial arts is a contact sport and as such there is always the possibility for injury, but when starting judo the first thing our students learn is how to break their fall.
Our coaches also ensure that adequate warming up and cooling down, including stretching excercises are always conducted in class, our coaches are also all qualified first aiders.
Why Judo?
UNESCO has confirmed Judo as the best starting sport to train children and young people from 4 to 21 years old.
Advantages for the child: with an assiduous practice of Judo develops his strength, speed, flexibility, coordination, reflections, focus, balance, resistance, personality, self-confidence themselves and the knowledge of their own body.
Due to constantly changing situations in Judo practice, the child is forced to stimulate his tactical reflection.
Judo doesn't encourage aggression; through its relationship with its mates, the child learns to collaborate, respect and develop self-mastery.
Judo is practiced without kicks, punches or punches generally in its early stage, which is safer for children as they begin martial art practice.
Even if it's a martial art originally, Judo conveys culture and traditions in its practice such as respect, discipline, emotional balance, and introduces many other values into children's daily habits.
Useful information about Judo:
It's a school sport, with everything it stands for.
It is an Olympic sport.
It's a mandatory subject for INEF students (French STAPS equivalent)
It's a sport whose practice is recognized by UNESCO as the most recommended for children over the age of 4
UNESCO recommends Judo as the best starting sport to train children and young people and to be proposed in all schools.
