Judo is a close quarters, physical martial art that uses movement, power and balance to throw other judoka to the floor and follow that with the application of groundholds or submittion techniques.

No, you will get into shape as you train.

No, you are not too old to begin martial arts training. Students can start anywhere, from a young age through to their 50's and in a few cases, older!

Judo literally translates to 'the way of gentleness' but was originally used by Samurai in Japan. Modern judo has been adapted over the years to be practised safely and without hurting opponents. Judo simply involves two judoka who, by gripping the gi, use balance, power and movement to throw the other, hold them on the floor (by using groundholds) or submit. Judo does not involve kicking, punching or striking techniques of any kind.

No, that is an urban myth. Martial Artists are not required to register their hands.

For primary judoka (age 4 - 7) you start on a white belt and will earn red strips before moving onto a red belt which older children will start on. For Senior's (over 18s), you also start on a white belt however will progress straight on to the next belt.

For younger judoka, it could take many years of training as we slowly expand their knowledge before becoming a black belt. Judoka who start as an early teen will find they climb through the junior grades much faster before obtaining their junior black belt. Starting as a senior (over 18) could see you take 7 years to become a 1st Dan black belt.

Wear comfortable clothing that does not have any zips. Preferably a t-shirt and track suit bottoms.

Progression through the belts is done at gradings. We grade twice a year in May and November where judoka will be assessed on their knowledge and technical ability, as well as effort, enthusiam and attitude towards their training. Grades are awarded based on a judoka fulfilling their potenital rather than a fixed standard of ability to be achieved.