Learn Judo

What is Judo?
Known and practiced world-wide, judo is the sport that uses throws, grappling pins, chokes, and armlocks to overcome opponents. Read more here.

For those with no Judo experience
Obukan provides instruction in Judo for adults and children.  Beginners classes  run for approximately four weeks.  In the beginning class you will learn how to fall safely (ukemi) and the basic principles, history and etiquette of Judo.  After successfully completing the beginner class you will join the regular classes. To find out a little more about Judo go to this link: Kodokan

What is a typical Judo practice like?
Practice begins with warm-up exercises and progresses to falling practice and groundwork drills.  Then there is an instruction period and time to practice what was taught.  The last part of practice is randori, or free practice, where students have a chance to try out what they have learned in a relatively unstructured situation.

How to get started
All students new to Judo are required to watch at least one practice before starting the beginner class.  Parents should accompany children on these visits.  This will help you to understand what goes on at Judo practice so you will be more sure if you really want to begin studying Judo.

After observing a practice and asking any questions you may have, you are welcome to sign up for the beginner class.  Classes for beginners are only offered during the first two weeks of each month, but you are free to come and watch practice at any time.

To enroll, you will need the following:

• Observe at least one class (if you are a new student to Judo)
• Please fill out the Obukan membership form and waiver. and bring it with you to practice (Also please email us a copy as well for faster processing). Here is the link that pulls up the form. You can fill it out on your computer and then print it out and email back to us signed.
• You will need to also sign up for monthly dues payment via Square at the dojo. The cost is $60 a month at this time and allows you to attend 2 practices a week or 8 practices a month  (Tuesday & Thursday) – Please email back all the forms so that we can get those all recorded. Also email us the USJF membership confirmation. 
• Have a properly fitting Judo Gi. We can also order a Judo gi (uniform) for you.
• Posses and present proof of a valid USJF, USA Judo, USJA or non-US National Governing Body Judo Registriation. The USJF application form can be found at the following link: USJF Membership
  
  Some information that you will need in registering with the USJF:
  1. Judo Rank: “White”
  2. Yudanshakai: “NorthWest 
  3. Club/Dojo: “Obukan Judo Dojo, Inc.”
  4. Insurance Beneficiary Name: Your name (use your full legal name)
      

For those with previous Judo experience
We are always happy to welcome or visitors or new members. Please contact one of the people listed below so we will know you are coming. You will need to bring your national organization card (USJF, USJA, USJI or other foreign national governing body).  If you wish to become a member of Obukan you will be required to join the USJF and pay club dues.

Beginner Practice:
Here is where it all starts. Starting with falling, throwing and pinning, along with etiquette, basic judo knowledge and strength and flexibility building. Beginners start warm ups with the entire group before sectioning for more focused exercises. Building skills for keeping safe on the mat and confident when it’s time to join the larger group.

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Intermediate Practice:
For those who and are interested in honing their Judo technique, gaining strength, toning their bodies or working on the basics. This is an excellent companion practice in addition to the weekly Tuesday and Thursday Core practices.

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Judo for Women Practice:
A one hour, for women only, weekly additional practice to strengthen the judo you’ve been working hard to build from the other weekly Core practices. All levels, beginner to advanced welcome.

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Saturday Competition Practice:
For those who want to challenge and train themselves more aggressively. For all competitors this is a vital addition to Tuesday and Thursday Core practices to prepare for upcoming tournaments.

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Saturday Kata Class:
An amazing opportunity to explore Kodokan Judo kata. Sharpen your judo. We work on one set at a time over a couple months. Nage no kata, Ju no Kata, Kodokan Goshinjitsu, Kime no Kata, Katame no Kata and Itsutsu no Kata. Beginners to advanced welcome