Beginner’s Guide to Judo

Welcome to Townsville Judo Club's Beginner's Guide! Whether you're stepping onto the tatami for the first time or returning after a hiatus, we're excited to have you join us on your judo journey.

Before you attend your first class, here is some essential information to ensure you feel prepared and comfortable.

Attire: For your first class, wear comfortable athletic clothing such as a t-shirt and shorts or tights. As you progress, you'll need to wear a judogi (judo uniform), which consists of a jacket, pants, and belt. Don't worry if you don't have one yet – we usually have spare judogis available for beginners to borrow during their initial sessions. Refer to our FAQs page for information on where to purchase your gi. Please remove jewellery and ensure fingernails and toenails are trimmed (no fake nails). Long hair needs to be tied back.

Etiquette: Judo is not only about physical techniques but also about respect, discipline, and mutual cooperation. Before stepping onto the mat, bowing is customary as a sign of respect to your training partners and instructors. During training, listen attentively to your instructor's guidance, and always treat your fellow judokas with courtesy and consideration.

Training Sessions: Our typical training sessions consist of a combination of warm-up exercises, technical instruction, and practice drills. You'll learn fundamental judo techniques such as throws, pins, and submissions, as well as essential principles of balance, leverage, and timing. Training sessions are structured to accommodate beginners and experienced practitioners alike, with opportunities for individualised instruction and feedback.

Grading and Belts: In judo, grading and belts signify a practitioner's level of skill and experience. Beginners typically start with a white belt and progress through a series of colored belts, including yellow, orange, green, blue, brown, and black, as they advance. Each belt level represents an increasing level of proficiency and understanding of judo techniques and principles. Promotion to higher belt ranks is typically determined through examinations and assessments conducted by qualified instructors. Ultimately, achieving the coveted black belt is a significant milestone in a judoka's journey, representing a high level of mastery and dedication to the art.

We understand that starting something new can be intimidating, but rest assured that our welcoming and supportive community is here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you're aiming to improve your fitness, learn self-defence skills, or simply have fun and make new friends, judo offers a rewarding and enriching experience for everyone.

Please familiarise yourself with our Club and other information such as our full list of Dojo Rules here.