Frequent Asked Questions

For your first class, please wear comfortable athletic clothing such as a loose-fitting T-shirt and athletic pants. There are a limited amount of Judo gi that we will gladly let you borrow for the first classes. Once you decide to continue, we will help you get a Judo gi.

Not at all. Beginners are always welcome, and we will teach you everything you need to know.

Like any physical activity, Judo carries some risk, but safety is a fundamental part of our training. Students learn how to fall safely (ukemi) before progressing to more advanced techniques.

No. Competition is available for students who want it (and is highly recommended), but it is never a requirement. Our goal is to help each student become a better Judoka, regardless of whether they compete.

Many children around the world begin Judo as young as four years old. At Buzzards Bay Judo, we generally accept new students beginning at age 6. We may accept motivated 5-year-olds on a case-by-case basis, particularly if they have previous Judo experience or a parent or sibling already training with us.

We recommend attending both weekly classes when possible. Consistent training helps students build skills and confidence, but we understand that life happens.

Our standard membership is $60.00 per month, with family, veteran, active-duty, and first-responder discounts available. Your first month is free. Students are also requested to register with the United States Judo Association (USJA). The annual USJA membership is $75 for the first student, with reduced rates available for additional family members. This membership provides basic insurance, rank verification and tracking, members only specials, and is a requirement for those looking to compete or attend clinics and events throughout the nation.New students will eventually need a Judo gi (uniform). A basic gi typically costs approximately $50-$75, and we can help you find an appropriate one.

The United States Judo Association (USJA) is the national organization that supports our club and provides resources, rankings, certifications, and insurance coverage for our members. The club has been in good standing with the USJA since our start in 1995, and requests all BBJJ students maintain a USJA membership while training with us. Furthermore, it is a requirement for most events, tournaments and clinics, to hold a membership with one of the three governing bodies of Judo, USJA is the body we belong to.

No. You can participate in your first classes in comfortable athletic clothing. We have some Judo gi available to borrow, and once ready to continue, we will help you find an appropriate gi of your own.

Students progress through a series of belt ranks as they develop their techniques, knowledge, attitude and understanding of Judo. Promotions are based on individual progress rather than simply attending a certain number of classes.

No. Judo includes standing techniques (tachi-waza), ground techniques (ne-waza) and to a lesser extent, striking techniques (atemi-waza). Over the years, the competition ruleset of Judo has altered the legality of certain techniques and put more emphasis on throws, but that does not hinder what we teach. Throws, pins, escapes, transitions, joint locks, choking techniques, combinations, counters, turn-overs, takedowns and more are all a part of Judo.

They are related grappling arts with different emphasis and traditions. Judo places strong emphasis on throws and takedowns while also incorporating significant groundwork. The two arts, along with other grappling arts/sports such as wrestling and Sambo, complement each other very well.

That is completely normal! Everyone is a beginner at some point. We will introduce you to Judo gradually, and you won't be expected to know anything when you walk through the door.