TRIAL PERIODAll new beginners are taken on a trial basis and will be informed within 4 weeks whether
they are suitable for Judo training. Unsuitable students will be given the reasons for this assessment
and asked to leave. Students considered suitable will be invited to become a members of the Judo club. JUDO SUITS
Judo suits and equipment will be available
fore purchase through the Club at a competitive price. However, during the student’s trial period it is not recommended
that a judo suit be purchased. An old jumper and trouser or tracksuit will suffice. Whatever
clothing is worn should be loose fitting, so as not to restrict movement. YOUR FIRST LESSON
You will be introduced to the etiquette and formalities and will begin
to learn how to breakfall. This is an essential part of Judo for in the interests of safety, you cannot
learn to throw or be thrown without first being able to break your fall. Beginners will also learn a basic
throw and a basic hold-down.
EXERCISES
You will always start the Judo class
with warm-up exercises. This is essential and necessary as cold muscles are prone to injuries. Similarly
to relax the body after training classes will end with cool down exercises. INJURIES
Injuries
are usually infrequent, apart from the occasional bruise. Nevertheless, Judo is a full contact sport and, as such, cannot
be guaranteed to be injury-free. However, in over 20 years experience of running clubs and practising judo the injuries that
I have seen are few and far between. Indeed in 17 years at the Sobell Centre Judo Club we had 4 severe injuries. Judo is a
far safer sport than football or karate.
CLEANLINESS
You
must always present yourself at classes in a clean
manner. Keep finger and toe-nails
short as they may
injure your opponent. Wash your Judo suit regularly and
ensure
long hair is tied back.
No jewellery or sharp
objects of any kind are to be worn.
ILLNESS OR INJURY It is very important
that you inform your instructor of any
illnesses or injuries that you may have, so he is aware
of
everyone’s
capabilities in training.
Keep your instructor informed if you are going to be absent
from any class or of
any changes which may affect your
training, such as holidays or no longer wishing to continue
with
Judo. Please
always arrive on time for classes. 
