Instructor Team

There are a number things a beginner can do at judo that will assist in increasing your skill and overall understanding of judo. Judo is a difficult art and that is why the more you understand judo, the easier it is. Here are a few key concepts that will help improve your judo. 

BE COOPERATIVE

As a partner, try to be as cooperative as possible. Being stiff as a board will only result in being thrown extremely hard and having a group of people who do not want to work with you. So, relax and take the time to learn how to be a good partner. If you do not know how, ask your sensei/coach how you should react when your partner is performing a technique. 

LEARN PROPER BREAKFALLS

Learning how to break fall is critical for a beginner. If you cannot fall, you will be scared of getting thrown. This will cause you to be stiff and defensive when your opponent or partner throws you. 

GET THERE EARLY AND LEAVE LATE

Getting to training early and leaving late is one of the best habits you can do. The more you hang around at judo, the better you become. It’s that simple. 

HAVE A JOURNAL

Write down everything you did at practice. Every so often, open up your journal and read over a few sessions you did a few months ago. This will really help you grasp the concepts of judo a lot quicker. 

DON’T LOOK AT THE FEET

Looking at your opponent’s feet is common in nearly every beginner judo class. The whole principle of judo is to feel what your opponent is doing not watch. You should always look at your partner’s chest. By looking at their chest, you can see both of their arms as well as keeping your head up and back straight which is crucial to all throwing techniques. 

TRY TO FEEL RATHER THAN MUSCLE

Technique, technique, technique. Try to use as much technique as possible. Use little strength each and every time you perform judo. The more you concentrate on technique, the quicker you will improve your judo skills. 

MOST IMPORTANT: HAVE FUN!

In the end, you must have fun at judo. Judo is a fantastic sports and an awesome martial art. Have fun at each every practice and session. Don’t be hard on yourself and remember that somewhere around the world, there is someone a little better than you. Setting daily, short and long term goals is the best way to continually have fun at judo.

See you at practice!

Sincerely, 

Sensei Josh