Getting started as a judoka

Overview

1. Trial session
2. Membership
3. Attire
4. Sessions
5. Orientation

1. Trial session

1. Discover judo, the club, and potential training partners through a free trial session.
2. Find a suitable time slot by visiting our website's class & schedule table.
3. Pre-register: Send an email to the administration with your name to let us know about your intention for your trial session. We will respond promptly with confirmation or suggest an alternative session depending on capacity and safety considerations.
4. Attire: While practitioners typically wear a judogi (kimono) on the mat, a t-shirt and sweatpants are acceptable for beginners during introductory classes. Please remove all jewelry before entering the dojo (training area).

2. Membership

Annual membership with the Malta Judo Federation and the Yukizuna Judo Club is required for participation. Please follow the step-by-step guide on our Membership Application page.

Failure to complete membership within 14 days will result in the participant being unable to actively participate in further training sessions and will be limited to observing from the sidelines.

We encourage you to read our Internal Rules. That will help understand the Club's system.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help.

3. Attire

Judo attire consists of a jacket, pants, and a belt.

While white belts are available for purchase at the club,

It is important to take only white judogi (kimono).

We recommend purchasing a white judogi from a reputable retailer like IPPON GEAR. They offer international shipping to Malta.

Decathlon Malta offers budget-friendly judogi suitable for beginners, but consider upgrading to a dedicated judo gi for safety and durability.

5. Sessions

Following an instructor evaluation, you will be placed in an appropriate class based on skill level. Sessions require booking in advance for monthly or longer periods. Visit our training page for more information. Note that, depending on the class, you'll be routed to one of the 2 dojos.

Our program promotes consistent practice for optimal learning, twice-weekly training sessions. Attending once a week can hinder progress due to skill and physical development disparities within the class. This approach ensures all practitioners are adequately prepared for advancement without compromising safety. Therefore, the club does not provice once a week session, nor booking.

We design classes with partner practice in mind. Please notify the administration if you anticipate missing sessions out of respect for your fellow judoka.

4. Orientation

The Yukizuna Judo Club supports a learning environment grounded in the principles of Judo. Through throws, falls, and practice, we cultivate:

• Physical Strength & Technique
• Mental Fortitude
• Humility in Learning
• Respect (for self, partners, and the art of Judo)

You will be progressively introduced to the environment. You are stongly encouraged to ask questions.

Our core values guide your judo journey:

• Respect & Sincerity: Building trust and treating everyone with fairness.
• Discipline: Emphasizing focus, commitment, and self-respect through practice.
• Growth Mindset: Encouraging continuous learning and development.
• Collaboration: Working together as partners and celebrating collective progress.
• Positive Attitude: Cultivating a fun and supportive atmosphere.
• Open Communication: Encouraging questions, active listening, and respectful dialogue.
• Teamwork: Learning from each other, supporting each other, and fostering community.
• Long-Term Development: Prioritizing skill mastery and continuous improvement.

We encourage asking questions as you progressively integrate into the community.

Welcome to Yukizuna Judo Club!