Frequently Asked Questions

Judo is a Japanese martial art focusing on throws, hold downs, and submission techniques created by Jigaro Kano in 1882. Unlike striking-based martial arts like Karate and Taekwondo, Judo emphasizes grappling and using an opponent’s force against them. It differs from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu by focusing more on throws and standing techniques rather than ground fighting. 

Our sport has been adapted to be carried out at full effort and full strength without hurting the opponent, allowing us to fully and safely commit to competitive techniques

Judo provides a great workout while also teaching self-defense skills and improving balance, coordination, strength, flexibility, body confidence and self-discipline

On your first lesson you should arrive 15 minutes early and say hello at the desk. You will fill in a short new user form, and then we will lend you a jacket and belt to wear for the lesson. Wait at the side of the mat until the lesson is starting and you are called onto the mat. Every lesson starts with a bow, then a warm up. After the warm up one of our coaches will come over and help you at each point in the lesson. You will usually be able to join straight into the lesson with everyone else, but we pair you up with someone who can help you. You can take as many breaks as you need to, you come to judo to get fit, not because you are already fit. 

We recommend tracksuit bottoms or leggings (no metal on them please) and a high neck t-shirt that you don’t mind getting pulled around a bit (the high neck tshirt will stop the jacket collar from rubbing).  We do judo bare foot, so we suggest you bring flip flops or crocs to make getting on and off the mat easy 

No, there is no need to pre book if you don’t want to. If you would like to get in touch first you can email us, see the contact page. 

(It can help with commitment to attending your first lesson to agree the date and time if your first lesson with us!)

  - Lessons: We keep our lessons as cheap as we can to give access to the sport to as many people as possible. Lessons are £5 per lesson, or less if you decide to pay in monthly blocks. After a few lessons, have a chat to us at the club and we can tell you about this option. 

- Gradings: Are done at the club up to brown belt and cost less than £20

- Kit (judogi): Ranges from £30 to £150+ depending on the size and quality. You can usually get a basic practice kit for c.£30 for a child or £50 for an adult. We sell kits at the club or you are free to buy one elsewhere and we can advise on you size and quality. 

- Membership: Club membership (to do gradings and get monthly payment discounts) are £20 per family per year. BJA membership (insurance, ability to attend competitions and gradings) is c£40. 

We call our kits a judo gi, or a gi. Judogi range from £30 to £150+ depending on the size and quality. You can usually get a basic practice kit for c.£30 for a child or £50 for an adult. We sell kits at the club or you are free to buy one elsewhere and we can advise on you size and quality to look for.

A karate kit or BJJ kit are not suitable. A karate kit is too thin and will tear.. A BJJ kit is too tight and not permitted in judo competition (you may wear one for training while you are new, but if you are buying a kit for judo, you should buy a specific judogi).  

Yes you are welcome to some and learn judo. The two sports, although they may look similar, are very different in their objectives, rules and methods of winning. We suggest you familiarise yourself with the difference before you come along, and we will also help you with this. At our club we only practice judo rules, and will expect you to follow these whilst training judo. 

You may wear your BJJ gi for your fist few lessons, but you should buy a judo gi if you intend to continue to practice and grade. 

You should wear a white belt when practicing judo as you will work your way up the judo grading system just like any other individual

Yes of course. Just turn up, borrow a jacket and join the lesson! Take it easy and don’t expect to remember everything you used to know. You will be back into it in no time 

Yes of course. Just turn up, bring your gi and join us. We like having visitors, and some of our club members often take their gi when then visit other parts of the country to do some judo tourism!

There is a large car park at the rear of the building. There are male and female changing rooms and a permanent mat area with a double of layer of mats! There is a spectator area and we welcome spectators.

The entrance to the building is at the back up the ramp (through the car park).