The place where judo is learned is called a Dojo. It is our job to make sure that the dojo is kept clean. We hope that everyone will do their part. Shoes are not worn in the dojo. Please remove your shoes and place them in the hallway directly to your right when entering the club. This hallway has room for your coats and hats. Judogi’s (judo costumes) are located on the opposite wall in the same hallway. They may be borrowed until you decide to buy one, but please return it after class. White belts hang in this area also. As a beginner judoka, this is the belt that is worn with your judogi. Please refer to figure 1 for a detailed diagram on how to tie a belt. It is expected that a student learns to tie his or her own belt properly, although we understand that it may take some time to learn to do this. If help is needed feel free to ask a higher belt judoka for assistance. Change rooms are also available.

Judo class commences on time. Please attend 10-15 minutes prior to starting. Attend the mat, remove your sandals, and before getting on the may bow (rei) toward the mat. After bowing you are ready to get on the mat. During this time warm-up and practice is encouraged. Horseplay is discouraged. What the sensei wants to start the class you will hear them call “Line up!”. Students are required to line up opposite the sensei in a straight line according to rank and remain quiet. You will then hear several Japanese words in which you will respond with an action. The first time everyone will kneel then come to attention while kneeling, and bow. The sensei will then turn toward the opposite wall. We will again come to attention while kneeling and bow. This is the traditional method of “bowing in” a judo class. At this point most classes follow a particular pattern. Here is a rough outline of what to expect.

1. Warm up
2. Breakfall Practice (Ukemi)
3. Judo Instructions & Practice
4. “Back to Back” ­ Groundwork free practice
5. Standing free practice (Randori)

At the end of class you will line up again so that the class may formally “bow out”. After the second bow, Sensei’s will stand first followed by higher rank judoka’s. Do not stand until the person on your right hand side has stood up. This is a sign of respect for those who have achieved higher rank than yourself.

In the Dojo, Judo student must:

1. Be punctual at all scheduled meetings.
2. Help to keep the Dojo clean and in good repair.
3. Wear traditional judogi properly at all practice sessions.
4. Wear a white T-shirt under the judo uniform (applicable to women only).
5. Keep their judogi clean and in good repair.
6. Wear the belt of their earned rank.
7. Keep their bodies clean and finger and toe nails trimmed.
8. Remove all jewelry and hard objects when exercising.
9. Avoid chewing gum or having candy or food in their mouths while on the mat.
10. Abstain from practicing Judo while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
11. Refrain from engaging in idle talk while on the mat.
12. Remain quiet and attentive when not practicing.
13. Be courteous and helpful to each other at all times.
14. Use the correct forms of standing or kneeling bows.
15. Sit in an acceptable manner while on the mat.
16. Obey the instructions of their Judo instructors and address them in the proper manner.
17. Accept instruction from an authorized instructor only.
18. Practice only those techniques that are appropriate to the age, aptitude and ability of their partners.
19. Seek to practice with higher ranking opponents.
20. Engage in competition only when authorized by the instructor.
21. Follow the rules of the contest.
22. Respect the referee’s decision at all the times.
23. Obey the Dojo rules relating to first-aid treatment of injures.

As you may discover, Judo is a close contact sport and therefore personal hygiene is very important. Judoka’s are expected to keep their bodies clean. Fingernails and toenails must be clean and trimmed for obvious reasons. Judogi’s must be clean and in good repair. All jewelry must be removed prior to walking on the mat. Sandals, or zori’s, must be worn in the dojo. Any foot covering such as a slipper may be worn as long as it is not worn outside. Zori’s are available for purchase at the club. Washroom and shower facilities are available. Please leave them the way you found them.