About Judo

Q: What is Judo?

A: Judo is a Japanese martial art and Olympic sport that was founded by Jigoro Kano in 1882. It focuses on throws, pins, and submissions and emphasizes technique, balance, and leverage over brute strength. 

Q: Is Judo safe for beginners?

A: Absolutely! Safety is a top priority at our club. Judo is practiced with control and respect; beginners are taught how to fall safely (ukemi) before doing any throws, and all techniques are introduced step by step. 

At our club, we emphasize a strong culture of looking after your training partner. More experienced members are expected to match the intensity and level of the person they're working with, so everyone can learn and grow safely, together. 

Q: What benefits are there to practicing Judo?

A: Judo improves physical fitness — both in terms of muscle strength and cardio — balance, coordination, discipline, and mental resilience. Above all, judo is extremely fun and exhilarating!

Q: What do the belt colors mean in Judo?

A: Belt colors represent your rank and progression. Beginners start with white belts and advance through various colors as they gain skill and knowledge. Black belt ranks (dan) are for advanced practitioners. Our club follows the USJA guidelines for belt promotions.