Beginner’s Guide to Judo
Welcome to Townsville Judo Club's Beginner's Guide! Whether you're stepping onto the tatami for the first time or returning after a hiatus, we're excited to have you join us on your judo journey. Before you attend your first class, here is some essential information to ensure you feel prepared and comfortable.
What to Wear: For your first class, please wear comfortable athletic clothing such as a t-shirt and shorts/tights. Always bring slip-on shoes to make sure your feet stay clean whenever you’re off the mat. Dirty feet = dirty mats.
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. If you already own a judo or BJJ gi, you’re welcome to bring it along for training.
When you arrive for the first time: When you arrive at the Townsville Sports Precinct (see directions here), you’ll find us just inside the main entrance of the Leisure Centre. Look for our blue and yellow mats and Townsville Judo signage near the reception area. Aim to arrive 10 minutes early to allow time to settle in.
You may be greeted by Megan, our Club Coordinator, who has likely been in touch to arrange your free trial. Otherwise, please introduce yourself to one of our coaches/Senseis. You can see who’s who on our Senseis and Staff page.
You’ll be shown where to leave your belongings and we’ll walk you through the basic etiquette, answer any questions and introduce you to a few of our members so you feel comfortable.
You won’t be expected to know anything - just relax, ask questions, be open to learning and enjoy your first judo experience. If you’re the type to want to go in with some knowledge, consider watching some videos of judo on YouTube first.
Safety and Hygiene: Please remove all jewellery before training. Fingernails and toenails must be kept short (no acrylic or fake nails). Long hair must be tied back and all students are expected to arrive clean and ready for class.
Remember to bring plenty of water so you can keep hydrated. You may wish to bring a sweat towel as well. If you have any injuries, medical conditions or concerns, please let the coach know before class starts. (Kids) if you need to leave the mat during class (toilet, water refill, etc.), pleas let your coach know first for safety.
Etiquette: Judo is not only about physical techniques but also about respect, discipline and mutual cooperation. Before stepping onto the mat, bowing is customary as a sign of respect to your training partners and instructors. During training, listen attentively to your instructor's guidance and always treat your fellow judokas with courtesy and consideration.
Training Sessions: Your first class will be relaxed and beginner-friendly. You won’t be thrown around or asked to do anything you’re uncomfortable with. One of our coaches will guide you through the basics at your own pace. Our typical training sessions consist of a combination of warm-up exercises, technical instruction and practice drills. You'll learn fundamental judo techniques such as throws, pins and submissions, as well as essential principles of balance, leverage and timing. Training sessions are structured to accommodate beginners and experienced practitioners alike, with opportunities for individualised instruction and feedback. For some, it can take time to build up fitness and endurance. At the start, take it easy and sit out for as many breaks as you need to if you’re feeling like it’s hard to keep up.
Understanding Grading and Belts: In judo, grading and belts signify a practitioner's level of skill and experience. Beginners typically start with a white belt and progress through a series of coloured belts, including yellow, orange, green, blue, brown and black, as they advance. Each belt level represents an increasing level of proficiency and understanding of judo techniques and principles. Promotion to higher belt ranks is typically determined through examinations and assessments conducted by qualified instructors. Ultimately, achieving the coveted black belt is a significant milestone in a judoka's journey, representing a high level of mastery and dedication to the art.
No Pressure: We understand that starting something new can be intimidating, but rest assured that our welcoming and supportive community is here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you're aiming to improve your fitness, learn self-defence skills, or simply have fun and make new friends, judo offers a rewarding and enriching experience for everyone. The free trials we offer are all about discovering whether judo feels right for you. If it doesn’t, that’s no problem - we only want people training with us because they genuinely love judo, not because they felt pressured. We won’t chase you for membership.
Please feel free to familiarise yourself with our Club and other information on our Frequently Asked Questions page - we look forward to seeing you soon!