How Do I Start Judo

Judo is a great sport for everyone

from school age to any age
from fully able to special needs

Here are some frequently asked questions about the sport.

WHAT IS JUDO?

Judo has its roots in ju-jitsu which goes back many centuries in Japanese history when is was a brutal and often lethal method of self defence and unarmed combat. Judo was established as a modern physical activity when in 1882, Professor Jigoro Kano founded his Kodokan Judo. Responsible for education he was aware that physical education in his country at that time was sadly lacking. Jealous ju-jitsu masters began to question this system and the matter could only be settled by arranging a tournament between the various schools. This was done in 1886 and the outcome was a totally victorious Kodokan. Japanese police officials had been watching the proceedings closely, they were looking for an acceptable method of apprehending and controlling aggressive law-breakers without resorting to weapons. To them Judo was the answer and it is used in Japanese police training to this day. From that time, Judo schools were established in many countries and the first Judo club to open in Europe, the Budokwai which still operates today, was founded in 1918 by Gunji Koizumi who became known later as "The Father of British Judo". There are now nearly 1,000 Judo clubs registered with the British Judo Association in the United Kingdom.

Since the inclusion of Judo in the 1964 Olympic Games it has been regarded as a modern Olympic combat sport although some followers still consider it very much an "art form". Kano said that Judo is a teaching for life itself and with it we learn to overcome the pitfalls and obstacles of everyday living.

For a fuller history of Judo see - Judo a brief history page

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 of which the Northern Ireland Judo Federation (NIJF) are part of.

To join our club, just contact one of our club representatives in the Club Contacts page or just come along to watch, or train on either of the training nights for beginners, times of which are detailed in the Beginners Training page.

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 trainers or flip-flops which are needed for walking to and from the training or contest mat.

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.

For those of you interested there are 10 "Black Belts" for a more detailed look at grades see our online terminology page.

HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO DO JUDO?

Judo training can start at any age. The NIJF and 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.

WHAT ABOUT UNDER EIGHT YEAR OLDS?

On advice from out Medical Commission the BJA does not allow contest for under eight year-olds. We do however have a system for them known as the Kano Club in which they can study simple actions and refereeing terms and then demonstrate them. Special certificates and badges are awarded for successes in the Kano examination system.

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. A Calendar of Events containing details of competitions and gradings can be viewed on our on-line Calendar of Events Page, or the BJA Calendar of Events can be viewed online at BJA Events

For more details on BJA insurance cover see our Insurance Information page.

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 ( known as BJA Personal Safety Advisors) who run registered courses. For more details of self defence in your area contact the NIJF or BJA head office in our Associations Page

DO WOMEN DO JUDO?

They most certainly do. At the present time we have Kate Howey current Senior World Champion and 92 Olympic Bronze medallist, Karina Bryant Senior European Champion, Double Junior World & Junior European Champion and Nicola Fairbrother MBE 92 Olympic Silver medallist to name just three.

Our former female stars include Sharon Rendle MBE 92 Olympic Bronze medallist and former World Champion who is currently coach to the Australian Womens Team. Dian e Bell for World and European Champion who is currently British Senior Womens Coach and Karen Briggs MBE four times World and seven times European Champion Karen is now running her own club in her home town of Hull.

Information courtesy of the British Judo Association