Judo is a traditional Japanese martial art and Olympic sport that focuses on using leverage, balance, and technique rather than brute force to overcome opponents. It emphasizes mutual respect, discipline and personal development.

While judo involves physical contact and grappling techniques, it is taught and practiced in a controlled and safe environment under the supervision of qualified instructors. With proper instruction and adherence to safety protocols, judo is an enjoyable and rewarding activity suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. All our instructors hold Blue Cards and are cleared to work with children.

Learn more about the benefits of judo and what sets it apart from other martial arts on our “Discover Judo” page.

If you’d like to know more about what steps we take to ensure member safety, read our Safety Protocol at the bottom of our “Our Club” page.

Try judo for free at our club! We welcome newcomers with a complimentary trial class, giving you a taste of the sport without any obligation.

Our friendly instructors will introduce you to the fundamentals of judo, providing guidance every step of the way. Whether you're looking to learn self-defence, improve fitness, or simply try something new, our free trial lesson is the perfect opportunity to experience the excitement of judo firsthand.

Please send an enquiry via the form on our “Contact” page to get started. If you prefer to chat on the phone, please remember to include your phone number in your message.

At a glance:
Membership with Judo Queensland: $100/year for juniors, $150/year for seniors
Once-off Townsville Judo club joining fee: $50/member

Class Fees:
“MonStars” aka “Mons” (6-8yrs):
Term Fee: $170 ($8.50 per lesson)

Juniors (9-15yrs):
Term Fee: $190 ($9.50 per lesson)

Seniors (15+):
Unlimited Term Fee (3 sessions per week): $300

10-Class Flexi Pass: $150 (Come as you like to any seniors class, 6 month expiry)

Family discounts available - each additional family member receives $20 off their term fees!

Please visit our Membership & Fees section for detailed information on registration fees and processes.

Please visit our Classes page for the timetable, term dates, information on typical class structure and how to find our dojo.

We accept cash payments, bank transfer, online credit card payments and EFTPOS.
Please note EFTPOS transactions will incur a 1.6% processing fee.

Yes, we do! Immediate family members of full-paying term members (Senior or Junior) are eligible for a $20 discount on their term fees.

Families with 4 or more participating members may receive a tailored family discount upon request.

Example 1: If a father pays Senior Member term fees and his children enrol, his children are each eligible for a $20 discount every term that their father is a current member.

Example 2: If one child pays full price for their term fees, their sibling/s can get a $20 discount on their class fees.

See full terms of the offer in our Membership Policy here.

Use the code FAMILYFUN20 in our online checkout when enrolling in classes, or ask us to apply the discount if we are taking care of your class enrolment manually.

This discount is our way of supporting and encouraging families to participate together in our judo community.

For your first class, wear comfortable athletic clothing such as a t-shirt and shorts. As you progress, you'll need to wear a judogi (judo uniform), which consists of a jacket, pants, and belt.

Don't worry if you don't have one yet – we usually have spare judogis available for beginners to borrow during their initial sessions. We have a select range of gis available for purchase at the club.

Remove any jewellery, tie up long hair and make sure your fingernails and toenails are trimmed short (no fake nails please!)

Wear some footwear to and from the dojo (but never on the mat) and bring a water bottle, open mind and a smile!

There are toilets, change rooms and showers available onsite.

Learn more about what to expect in our Beginner’s Guide, found in the Resources section of our “Discover Judo” page.

We have a select range of junior and senior gis available for purchase through our club ($80 - includes jacket, pants and belt).

Information on sizing and recommended brands is listed below.

Sizing Information:

For Children: Measure the child's height from the top of the head to the floor.

Use a sizing chart provided by the manufacturer to match the child's height to the corresponding judogi size.

Consider the child's weight and build when selecting the size to ensure a comfortable fit.

Keep in mind that children may grow quickly, so it's often recommended to choose a slightly larger size to allow for growth.

For Adults: Measure the adult's height from the top of the head to the floor.

Use a sizing chart provided by the manufacturer to match the adult's height to the corresponding judogi size.

Consider the adult's weight and build when selecting the size to ensure a comfortable fit.

Pay attention to any specific sizing recommendations or guidelines provided by the manufacturer, as judogi sizing can vary between brands.

Additionally, it's important to note that judogi sizes are typically labeled with a combination of numbers and letters (e.g., 150cm, 160cm, A1, A2, etc.), with each size corresponding to a specific range of height and build.

Reference table:

000 – 132 - 135 cm in height, 18-27 kg.

00 – 136 - 138 cm in height, 27-39 kg.

0 – 139 - 142 cm in height, 39-45 kg.

1 – 143 - 155 cm in height, 45-57 kg.

2 – 156 - 166 cm in height, 57-68 kg.

3 – 167 - 178 cm in height, 68-84 kg.

4 – 180 - 183 cm in height, 84-95 kg.

5 – 185 - 191 cm in height, 95-113 kg.

6 – 193 - 201 cm in height, 113-127 kg.

7 – 203 - 211 cm in height, 127-147 kg.

Some popular brands include Fuji, Mizuno, Adidas, Tatami and Vulkan.

While these brands may not have physical stores in Townsville, you can often find their products available for purchase online through martial arts retailers or specialty sports stores such as grapplingstore.com. Be sure to read reviews and consider factors such as size, fit, and material when choosing a judogi brand that best suits your needs and preferences.

Did you know there are lots of ways to tie a judo belt?

Check out our very own Sensei Boyd’s go-to method below. If you’re new to judo, this might be a handy one to learn. Watch until the end for a close-up repeat!

https://www.townsvillejudo.com.au/news-reminders-blog/instructional-video-how-to-tie-a-judo-beltobi

Yes! If you’re thinking of joining but not quite sure what to expect, feel free to watch a training session - please introduce yourself upon arrival and let us know you’d like to watch. Our instructors will be happy to answer any questions you might have, when they become available. See our timetable and term dates here.

Our mats are regularly vacuumed, spot cleaned and thoroughly treated with a hospital grade disinfectant that is proven to kill a wide range of bacteria and viruses, including coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), influenza virus, hepatitis B group virus, VRE, MRSA and more.

You can help us by ensuring feet are clean before class and that shoes are always worn to and from (but never on) the mats.

PlayOn Vouchers (formerly FairPlay) are a Queensland Government initiative to help families cover the cost of sports and active recreation for their children aged between 5 and 17. Parents can apply online to receive a voucher valued up to $200 per child to be used towards club membership or participation fees. Vouchers are issued electronically and usually quickly, if not immediately.

How do I apply for a PlayOn Voucher?
Applications can be submitted online through the Queensland Government website. To check eligibility and apply, click here.

> > > The next round of applications will open January 2026.

How do I redeem a PlayOn Voucher with Townsville Judo?
Redeeming your voucher is easy! Simply provide us with:

• Your child’s full name

• The unique PlayOn Voucher number

Once we have this information, we’ll take care of the rest. The value of the voucher will be applied to your child’s membership and/or class fees.

Need more information?
If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help make participation in judo as accessible as possible for all families.

Our class sizes sometimes vary week to week (especially Seniors), but you can expect around 10 to 15 students at each session on average.

Membership with Judo Queensland is mandatory as it includes essential insurance coverage, ensuring the safety and well-being of all practitioners.

Learn more about insurance coverage below under “What insurance coverage is provided?” in this FAQs section.

Understanding that safety and developmental considerations are paramount, we advise that children under the age of 6 may not be ready for technical judo practice.

Judo involves physical movements that require a level of coordination, strength, and attention that may not yet be fully developed in very young children. Alternatives such as introductory martial arts programs designed for preschool-aged children can provide age-appropriate activities that promote physical development in a safe environment. As children grow older and develop the necessary skills, judo can become a rewarding and beneficial activity. We encourage open dialogue with parents to address any questions or concerns and to explore suitable options for their child's participation in physical activities.

Absolutely! We encourage parents to actively participate in their child's judo journey by observing classes and being a part of the supportive dojo environment.

Please note: parents may wish to bring a chair as supplied seating is currently limited at the venue.

Yes! Our club is registered to receive tax deductible donations through the Australian Sports Foundation.

As a not-for-profit organisation run entirely by dedicated volunteers, your generosity plays a vital role in helping us provide a welcoming and supportive environment where people of all ages and abilities can develop their skills, confidence, and passion for judo.

Your donation will directly contribute to:

• Upgrading training facilities and equipment.

• Supporting junior and senior development programs and competition opportunities.

• Keeping membership and class fees affordable for our community.

You can donate securely online and receive a tax receipt as soon as your payment is processed.

Click here to donate to Townsville Judo Club Inc now

You don't need any prior experience to start your judo journey with us. All levels are welcome, from complete beginners to seasoned practitioners.

Yes! At Townsville Judo Club, we take pride in the quality and expertise of our coaching staff. All of our coaches are accredited with Judo Australia, ensuring that they possess the necessary skills and knowledge to provide effective instruction to our members.

Additionally, each coach holds a valid Blue Card, demonstrating their commitment to the safety and well-being of our members, particularly our younger participants. Current First Aid and CPR Certificates are also held by every coach.

Furthermore, our coaches have competed at the highest levels of judo, bringing a wealth of experience and insight to their coaching roles. With our dedicated and experienced volunteer coaching team, you can trust that you are receiving top-tier instruction and guidance as you pursue your judo journey with us.

Meet our coaches here.

Membership with Judo Queensland is mandatory as it includes essential insurance coverage, ensuring the safety and well-being of all practitioners that train with us at Townsville Judo.

To understand more about what is covered or how to make a claim, click here.

Our dojo (just inside the main entrance of the Leisure Centre at the Townsville Sports Precinct) has access to toilets, showers and change rooms. There are also cold water bubblers available to refill your drink bottles and there are vending machines as well. There is parking right outside the door and the venue is fully accessible for those with disabilities.

Simply head over to our 'News and Events' web page for all the latest updates and information about upcoming events. Want news delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our email updates (scroll further down this page until you see the form) to receive notifications and exclusive content. You can also connect with us on Facebook, where we share updates, photos, and engage with our community.