I WANT TO START JUDO!

Judo is a great sport for everyone. Here are some frequently asked questions about the sport.

HOW CAN I JOIN A JUDO CLUB?

It is most important to start correctly with a qualified Judo Coach. The British Judo Association is the official Governing Body for Judo in the United Kingdom. Clubs registered with the British Judo Association provide qualified coaches and you can obtain an up-to-date list of such clubs in your area from the Association Head Office.

WHERE DO I OBTAIN A JUDO SUIT, ETC?

Most sports shops and many of our Members Clubs supply judogi (Judo suits) at reasonable rates and second-hand kit is often available from clubs. The judogi is reinforced in all the right places and consists of a jacket, trousers and belt. The only other personal equipment required would be a pair of zori which are Japanese style slippers and are needed for walking to and from the training or contest mat (a lot of people use flip-flops for this purpose).

WHAT ARE MON, KYU AND DAN GRADES?

For players aged from 8 to 15 years, there are 18 levels of skill grades known as Mon (Junior) grades which are denoted by coloured and banded belts. From 16 years, Kyu (senior) skill grades apply and are again denoted by belts of different colours. Everyone has to work through the grading system to reach the 1st Dan Grade when the player is entitled to wear the famous black belt. Even then there are higher levels for the very dedicated.

HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO DO JUDO?

Judo training can start at any age. BJA members ranged from five to 85. As for starting Judo later in life, whilst one might not expect to reach Olympic standard there are still goals to be achieved. The BJA Dan Grade Register has on record a man who started Judo aged 54 and in eight years achieved his 1st Dan black belt.

WHY DO I NEED A LICENCE?

Although the accident rate is far lower than in some other sports it has to be said that Judo is a tough combat sport. It is therefore wise to have a licence which gives insurance cover. Gradings and competitions take place all over the country and throughout the year under BJA rules and at which anyone taking part must have a licence.

DOES JUDO GET YOU FIT?

Judo is an ideal form of physical education. The beginner concentrates on getting the technique right, and during this process inevitably improves general fitness. The bonus is stamina improvement which equips on better for the rigors of day to day life. When asked about the extraordinary fitness he displayed on winning the British and European "Superstars" titles Brian Jacks attributed it all to his former Judo training.

IS JUDO THE COMPLETE SELF-DEFENCE?

There is no complete self-defence and it is foolish to make such claims. However, because of its close contact Judo helps to develop a keen awareness of danger. It offers the best self defence training at close quarters than any other sport. The British Judo Association has specially trained self defence instructors ( knows as BJA Personal Safety Advisors) who run registered courses. For more details of self defence in your area contact the BJA head office.