2025-12-01
Walking into any new environment for the first time can be a bit nerve-wracking, and a judo club is no exception. If you or your child are about to attend your first class at the Illawarra International Judo Club, here's a straightforward rundown of what to expect — so you can focus on having fun rather than worrying about the unknown.
First things first: you don't need a judo gi (uniform) for your first session. A tracksuit or comfortable clothing with long sleeves and pants is perfectly fine. Avoid clothing with zips, buttons, or pockets that could catch fingers. Judo is practised barefoot, so leave your shoes at the edge of the mat. We recommend arriving about 10 to 15 minutes early so you can introduce yourself to the instructor, fill in a quick form, and get settled before class begins.
Every class starts with a bow onto the mat — this is a tradition in judo that shows respect for the training space and your fellow judoka. After that, you'll do a group warm-up that includes stretching, movement drills, and some judo-specific exercises. Don't worry if you can't keep up with everything straight away; the warm-up is designed to get your body moving, not to exhaust you before training even starts.
Next, you'll learn ukemi — breakfalling. This is the most important skill in judo, and every new student starts here. You'll practise rolling and falling in a controlled way so your body learns to absorb impact safely. It might feel awkward at first, but it becomes second nature surprisingly quickly. After that, the instructor will typically demonstrate a basic technique — perhaps a simple throw or hold — and you'll practise it with a partner.
Partner practice is the heart of judo, and the culture at IIJC is cooperative and encouraging. More experienced students are always happy to work with beginners, and there's no expectation that you'll get things right straight away. The class finishes with another bow, and you're done. Most people leave their first session buzzing — a little tired, a little sore, and already looking forward to the next one.
If you're anywhere in the Wollongong or Illawarra region and keen to give judo a try, your first class is free. No need to book ahead — just turn up and we'll look after you.
