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Your First Session

Starting something new can feel a little daunting, but at Westland Judo Club we aim to make your first session friendly, welcoming, and enjoyable. You don’t need any previous experience to begin judo. Whether you’re a child trying a sport for the first time or an adult looking for a new challenge, our coaches will guide you through everything step by step.

What Should You Bring?

For your first session you don’t need a judo suit straight away. You can simply bring a track suit, flip-flops/sliders to wear off the mat and a water bottle. We have spare suits that you can borrow.

Your first session is free! Subsequent sessions are £2 for under 16s and £3 for adults.

If you decide to continue training, we can help advise you about purchasing your first judo gi (uniform).

Juniors (up to about 12yo) 7pm to 8pm

For younger members, sessions are designed to be fun, active and engaging while gradually introducing the fundamentals of judo. A typical beginner session may include:

  • Movement games and activities that build agility, balance and coordination
  • Basic judo movement skills
  • Learning how to fall safely (ukemi) — one of the most important skills in judo
  • Introduction to simple holds and throws
  • Team activities and light partner work

Children often learn through games and structured exercises, which help develop confidence, body awareness, and discipline while keeping the sessions enjoyable. The focus at this stage is learning, participation, and building skills, rather than competition.

Intermediates and Seniors (13 to Adult) 8pm to 9pm

Because judo involves throwing and groundwork, the first session will always include learning how to fall correctly and safely using a technique called ukemi (breakfalls). These skills allow you to train safely and confidently on the mat. Judo matches are won by throwing an opponent cleanly onto their back or by controlling them on the ground with a pin. Training takes place on specialised mats called tatami, but knowing how to fall properly is still essential. During your first session you may also be introduced to:

  • A basic throw such as O-soto-gari (major outer reap)
  • A simple hold-down technique such as Kesa-gatame (scarf hold)
  • Basic partner drills known as ‘Uchi-komi’ and free-sparring known as ‘Randori’

The videos below are general videos on YouTube – they’re not our content

You won’t be doing this on your first session! This is world class judo showing advanced throws to win by ‘Ippon’ – the maximum score and an instant win.

A basic reaping throw. ‘Osoto-gari’. There are 68 throws – beginners learn the basics and then progress through a series of gradings by learning the techniques.

Probably the first hold-down you’ll learn. ‘Kesa-gatame’. In this demo it happens quite slowly. But in competition, ideally this would be applied quickly after a throw.

Sessions are designed to be supportive and progressive, so you will never be expected to do anything you are not comfortable with.

Ready to try Judo?

While judo can be competitive, many people train simply because it is great for fitness, excellent for co-ordination and confidence.

We always welcome beginners. Just come along a few minutes before the session starts and introduce yourself to one of the coaches — we’ll help you get started. We look forward to seeing you!