Beginners are welcome on either the first Thursday or first Saturday of each month.
If you are interested then come along and watch a training session (on Saturday mornings you might even get a cup of coffee and biscuit), but the only way to find out if judo is for you is to get on the mat.
We just ask you to give us some knowledge of your state of fitness. If you have any old injuries or medical conditions that might restrict your activities but you would really like to try judo then talk to or email Sensei John (see Contact us) and together a decision can be made as to whether it is possible for you to do judo.
Your first lesson will be how to break your fall, and then when you do get thrown you will be pleasantly surprised that it does not hurt.
What does it cost
- You pay a mat fee when you turn up for training.
- You will need to take out Martial Arts Insurance, this can be arranged through the club, you just fill out a form and give us your money.
- The first years membership and Insurance is £9.00, annual renewal is just £8.00 (for 2009). We have special rates for family membership.
- Gradings are held 2 or 3 times a year; whilst competitions and courses give club members the opportunity to meet and train with other judoka.
- Social events are organised for Seniors and Juniors – attendance is not compulsory but recommended.
What to wear
To start with you do not need to buy any special clothing. It is best to wear loose fitting long trousers and a high necked long sleeved loose fitting top, something that you can more around in easily and that you don’t mind being pulled around but try to avoid anything with zips and/or buttons and anything that might rip or tear easily. All jewellery must be removed. Shoulder length hair should be secured with a soft elastic band – no metal or plastic slides or grips.
No special footwear is needed as judo is done in bare feet. However a pair of soft slip-on shoes are useful to keep by the edge of the mat. Judoka are discouraged from walking off the mat in bare feet as this can carry dirt onto the mat – not nice when your face will be coming into contact with the tatami (mat).
You will soon realise why judoka (people who do judo) wear white pyjamas (gi) – and that there is a difference between the judo-gi and the white pyjamas worn for other martial arts. For normal training at Blackwater JC (Maldon) only white gi’s are acceptable, only Internationals should wear Blue.
Once you are hooked Sensei can arrange the purchase of your judo gi (thick white pyjamas). For modesty girls and women wear a white, long, high-necked, short-sleeved t-shirt under their jacket; boys do not wear a t-shirt.
Hi – just wondered if I just turned up or needed to make you aware prior to attending?
I boxed as a junior (many years ago!) but more recently have been involved with Brazilian JJ – was really enjoyable – then club was overun and eventually turned into a ‘cage fighting’ type club – I dont mind contact or competition (in fact I think its a good thing) however – I do resent being used as a punch bag by guys who dont have to go to work the following day (particularly at the grand old age of 38!!). The club looks really friendly and amazingly affordable so would love to come along and train – with a mortgage and two kids it would be great to be able to dedicate myself to something. Many thanks for your time – sorry for the essay!!
Stuart
Stuart,
I totally appreciate what you are saying as I have also encountered the style of Brazilian JJ which I agree is now more like cage fighting.
You are most welcome to come along to the club unannounced on either a Saturday or Thursday.
Saturday 9:30 until 10:30 at West Maldon Community Centre, Sunbury Way (off Limebrook Way), Maldon
Thursday 19:15 until 20:30 at Blackwater Leisure Centre, Maldon
We are open this Saturday but not Thursday as New Year’s day and the venue is closed.
Kind regards
John Pegram 5th Dan
Club Sensei
Thats excellent John – I will come along Saturday if thats ok – obviously dont have a judo gi – would it be ok to wear my BJJ gi for the first leaason or so or would it be better if I stick to the tracksuit?
Many thanks for your promt response.
Stuart
Stuart, it would probably be better if you wore your BJJ. Look forward to seeing you Saturday for 09:30 start. John
Hi,
I’ve found your web site searching on Google. I am interested in coming along to training to see what its all about.
I have done Judo before many years ago when I was about 7 so that is probably no longer valid.
More recently I’ve trained in Wing Chun Kung Fu, Krav Maga and BJJ.
I live in Burnham and am struggling to find a good local martial arts club that isn’t overly expensive or too far to travel.
If you could please either reply or send me an e-mail with some more info. I would most likely attend the Saturday morning sessions.
Regards
Steve
Hello,
I’m intrested in coming onlong to judo. I’m 22 and really want to do something for myself and have always wanted to start a martial art. Could you please send me an email and let me know what i have to do to start and when.
Thank you
Dee
Hi Denise, I have sent you an email response direct from my personal email address.
Thanks
John Pegram
Hi John,
I have a 19 year lad with Learning disablities (moderate) and ADHD. He has done some judo and would love to get back into it. He can be a handful and alittle loud!! (but I would stay with him for the session and may even get back on the mat myself.
Cheers
Leanne
Hi Leanne,
Thank you for your enquiry and would love to welcome your son into our Judo Club as we are open to anyone no matter what disabilities they have.
For interest we have around 6 younger children who also suffer from ADHD and we have an instructor who is somewhat knowledgeble in the subject.
I am sure you know the venues and times from the web site but to summarise:
Saturday mornings at the West Maldon Community Centre which is off Limebrook Way (near Morrisons) start time for seniors 09:30 – 10:30am cost £2 per attending session. Thursday evening at the Blackwater Leisure Centre start time 19:15 to 20:15. On top of the £2 training subs there is a £10pa licence/insurance (legal obligation) + after a few weeks so you don’t have to pay out if its decided ‘this is not for me’, a Judo Gi which I can supply at 1/3rd less than shop ones. Gi’s can be purchased and paid for weekly/monthly.
He can attend any session, both sessions, one week a Thursday the next Saturday. What ever suits as at both classes you have the same instructors.
I appreciate you would like to stay for the session but I must stress once the students steps on the mat they become my responsibility and you would only be asked to assist if we are unable to control a situation.
I hope you would also consider coming back onto the mat as we have several women and pride ourselves on being Gold Accredited twice for a well run Community Judo Club.
Look forward to seeing you both.
John Pegram 5th Dan AEJF, Founder and Sensei
Blackwater Judo Club (Maldon)