FAQ
Do I need any experience?
Absolutely not! Beginners are welcome! You do not need any previous martial arts experience. Most students have never had any martial arts training
What do I wear/bring to the first trial practice?
Wear light sweatpants and a t-shirt, no buckle, zipper or metal. We recommend slip on shoes, flip-flops as we practice bare footed. Please remove all jewelry and bring a water bottle.
Do we have contracts?
No, however we have agreements. A 6 month or 1 year agreement offers a lower tuition rate.
Can Judo benefit my wrestling or BJJ?
Judo can significantly enhance skills in both wrestling and BJJ, offering unique throws, takedowns, and ground techniques that complement each sport. For wrestling, judo's surprise factor and focus on balance can provide a competitive edge, while for BJJ, judo's takedowns, grip fighting, and newaza form a solid foundation for ground control and submissions. While adaptation for no-gi contexts is necessary, the benefits, including improved physical conditioning and mental discipline, make judo a valuable cross-training option for practitioners of both disciplines.
Do I need to be in shape?
No, we will get into shape. Classes at the beginning start at a slower pace, helping the students learn the basics. Students will be challenged, but at a gradual safe pace.
I’m 30 (or, 40, 50, 60, 70), am I too old?
No, we have students and members 60+ and some compete!
How young do we accept new students?
*We welcome students 5+, however acceptance to our program is based on maturity and after an evaluation at the trial lesson. If the child is not quite ready for our program, we recommend a gymnastic type tumbling class. *Based on maturity
Do I need a uniform (gi)?
Yes, for the trial, a “loaner” will be provided. If you have a uniform from another school, you may wear it. Preferably white or blue.
What is Judo?
Judo is a martial art that emphasizes the use of quick movement and leverage to throw an opponent. Its techniques are generally intended to turn an opponent’s force to one’s advantage rather than. To oppose it directly. The opponent must be thrown cleanly, pinned, or mastered through the application of pressure to arm joints or the neck. Judo evolved out of the older martial art jujitsu in the late -19th century Japan, but it is now practiced primarily as sport. It became an Olympic sport for men in 1964; women’s judo was added in 1992.
How often are classes offered?
3 times per week, with the option to train 4+. For children under 10, we recommend two practices per week to begin.
Can I come to try a class?
Yes. All students may try their first class for free without any obligation.
Do I have to show up to every class?
No, yet it is important to attend as much as possible.
Can women participate in Judo?
Judo is something women excel at on a level equal to that of men. Only in tournaments are there separate men’s and women’s divisions.
Do I have to let someone know I’m coming to class if I’ve never been there before?
Yes, please contact the instructor to give him a heads up and arrive10 minutes before your first class for a brief introduction and tour of the facility as well as to be fitted for a uniform if needed.
I have previous martial arts experience; do I need to start over as a white belt?
Only if you do not have Judo or Jiu-Jitsu experience. Contact the instructor.
Are there belts? What do I need to know to promote?
Yes. Ideally, it is a goal of each student to attain a new belt rank, however rank is achieved by attendance, attitude and ability.
Is there a risk of injury?
There is always a chance of injury playing any sport, we start slow, use crash pads and spend considerable time teaching ukemi, the method of falling correctly.
Do I have to compete?
No, however competition is encouraged. Some members enjoy competition and do so regularly and at a high level. However, competition is not mandatory. Some younger students attend our academy to build confidence. Confidence must be earned, and competition is one way to earn it!
Will my child have a hard time if they aren't athletic?
Often children who don't find success in team sports come to Martial Arts, and they love it! That's because, with martial arts, you go at your own pace. Team sports may harm the self-esteem of children who aren't very athletic. When they don't perform well, other kids can be pretty mean, affecting their self-esteem. But with Martial Arts, they can't let anyone down. Our students are never asked to do things beyond their capacity. Some kids learn quicker than others, but those who advance quickly are not valued more than the kids who move slowly. Everyone is greatly encouraged, regardless of their athletic level, and praised for achieving things they couldn't before.