Mark your space
Mark it once. Every card in judo starts from this space and adds what it needs.
The space
At home a clear floor with a soft carpet for animal walks and tag games; no throwing or falling at home. A judo mat, judogi and zori at a club.
Where it fits: indoor room, club mat.
Mark in this order
- A start line
- A "river" of two tape lines for jumping games
Chalk or tape is enough. Tick each mark as you make it.
Practice kit first
A belt or a rolled towel for the belt-grab games; soft shoes off.
Real judogi only at a club.
Safety
An instructor in the room at all times; mats firm, joined tight, not overlapping, with clear space round them; no jewellery; short nails, long hair tied back.
Falls come first, in small steps from lying to standing, with a partner helping.
The thrower stands firm and pulls the sleeve so the partner can fall; the head never hits the mat.
Partners of similar size and skill.
To give up, tap the partner or the mat twice; the holder lets go at once.
Juniors do not apply strangles or joint locks.
awiseathlete.com/sports/judo/setup