Preparing for Your First Judo Class
So you're ready to start training! Awesome. Getting started is the hardest part, but everyone starts somewhere. This article will help you prepare for your first judo class at Kogaion.
Step 1: Book your Intro to Judo class
Book any of our Intro to Judo classes Tuesday or Thursday at 6pm. You’ll receive a confirmation e-mail and a reminder e-mail.
Step 2: Come to class!
It is normal to be nervous about walking in the door for the first time. We will always do everything we can to help you feel comfortable & motivated. Be proud - and excited - that you're taking the first step! Before you know it you'll be diving in, making friends, and improving everyday.
What to Bring
Clean, breathable athletic wear (think runners/yoga clothing). We will lend you a judo gi (uniform) for your first class.
Water to stay hydrated!
What class will look like
Intro to Judo class is structured like so: Warmups and break falls, instruction and practicing entries to throws, and throws.
Sparring is generally reserved for intermediate judo classes
Step 3: Decide which membership is best for you
We’ll work together on deciding which of our membership plans fits your goals and schedule the best!
Group picture of our students from the December 2024 Virginia Judo open. Five gold medals, 2 silvers, 3 bronzes and a lot of great matches!
What is Judo?
Judo is the most widely practiced combat sport in the world. It is a martial art started in Japan where judokas must use their hands and feet to bring opponents to the ground and score points or immobilize them.
Kogaion is one of the only places in Northern Virginia where you can earn your Judo AND Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. We teach primarily under the Olympic judo ruleset. Once you understand the details of the sport and can even play yourself, watching one of the most beautiful sports in the world becomes that much more entertaining!
Benefits of Judo
MUTUAL BENEFIT: No one can do judo alone. Jigoro Kano coined two fundamental principles of Judo, “Maximum Efficiency” and “Mutual Welfare and Benefit” because you need to do judo with a partner. The idea that we all help each other and get better together is an important part of training.
GREAT EXERCISE: Judo is a full-body workout, which will improve your muscular endurance, power, and cardiovascular health!
SELF-DEFENSE: Judo is one of the most effective ways to take someone who is standing to the ground. Combined with ground control, you can be extremely effective in any close combat situation without ever needing to throw a punch.
DISCIPLINE: The practice of judo is the literal embodiment of the phrase: “Fall seven times and get up eight”. It takes a long time to master this sport but the lessons it returns along the way are priceless.
