Character

 

The first requirement to becoming a practitioner of Judo (judoka) is that of being of good moral character. Bullies, thugs and those with improper motives will be expelled. Students using Judo at home, in school or improperly anywhere will be expelled from classes.

 

 

Classes

 

Class Attendance - We expect students to arrive to class on time. We also expect students to attend class regularly. Sporadic attendance impedes both learning and progression in rank. Attendance requirements must be met in order for a judoka to advance in rank or to progress out of the beginners' class to the intermediate class.

 

Conditioning - Judo provides a complete fitness program with conditioning exercises for strength, balance and flexibility. Judo also provides a means for the development of conditioned reflexes. These conditioned reflexes ultimately result from the repetitive practice of Judo falling techniques, grappling techniques and throwing techniques.

 

Conduct - Good conduct becomes a matter of safety and consideration for others in an active Judo class. This is discussed in greater detail under the separate heading "Conduct."

 

Content - This class provides both physical and academic instruction in Kodokan Judo. Every class will begin and end with traditional formalities of respect. Warming up and stretching exercises will be led prior to the instructional period. All beginning students will learn basic falling, grappling and throwing techniques. Intermediate and Advanced judoka (above age 12) learn chokes, arm-locking and striking techniques. Academically, students will learn Judo history, terminology, competition rules and the two guiding principles of Judo: "Mutual Benefit and Welfare" and "Maximum Efficiency with Minimum Effort."

 

 

Cleanliness

 

Judo, being a physical contact sport, requires good personal hygiene in every aspect. Personal grooming and hygiene items include:

· Clean Bodies

· Clean Hands

· Clean Feet – Judo is practice in bare feet. We recommend wearing or bringing flip-flops or sandals to wear while off the Judo mats. This will help to keep feet clean and help to prevent from tracking dirt onto the Judo mats.

· Shortly trimmed, clean fingernails and toenails - This will help to prevent cuts, scratches and turned-back nails.

· Clean and Neat Hair

· Clean and Neat Clothing - Judogi's must be neat, clean and properly worn.

 

 

Clothing

 

Uniforms - Beginning students may wear sweat suits or loose fitting durable long sleeved shirts and long pants. When a student determines that he or she wants to continue on with class, then a Judo uniform (judogi) should be purchased. Judogi's suitable for class range in price from $30 to $50 and may be ordered in class. Please note that Karate uniforms are neither suitable nor durable enough for Judo.

 

Other Clothing – Women/girls must wear a plain white T -shirt or leotard under the judogi jacket.

 

Footwear - Judoka practice Judo on a mat in their bare feet. We recommend wearing or bringing flip-flops or sandals to wear while off the Judo mats.

 

Jewelry - The wearing of items such as rings, bracelets, wrist chains, earrings, watches, burettes, etc., present a serious safety hazard and may not be worn.

 

Protection - Women should consider wearing a sports bra. Likewise, men should consider wearing an athletic supporter.