I just joined a Judo school here a couple of weeks ago. Classes are twice a week, two hours per class.

What advice do you have for a beginner in Judo?

One word of advice: RELAX!!!!

It really is the most important thing. Most novices in Judo usually try and use strength at the start, and as such, they are very tense when they are trying to throw someone or trying to grapple with them.

Just stay nice and relaxed. You will use less energy and will be able to perform better. It will take time to learn the techniques and principles of Judo, and you will find they work easier when you "try" less, if that makes sense.

As they say in Judo "Maximum efficency, Minimum Effort". Just try and keep that in mind!!

Good Luck.

Don't get disheartened when you get dominated in sparring!

When I started, I couldn't get any throw to work in randori, and on the ground I got continually sweeped and submitted. It wasn't that people were picking on me, it's just that often I would go half-way to throw myself through poor technique!

I went through this process of getting beaten for about 4-5 months, before I started to feel I stood a chance against other white belts or orange belts. Of course, I was also the smallest by a long way, something you won't have to worry about Brian!

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When I started, I couldn't get any throw to work in randori, and on the ground I got continually sweeped and submitted. It wasn't that people were picking on me, it's just that often I would go half-way to throw myself through poor technique!

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Yeah, this is pretty much my story right now in Judo, glad to hear some encouragement!

ps. I'm the smallest in my class too.

So far I haven't been dominated by anyone in the class. The instructor could, but he teaches more than trying to show me up, which I appreciate.

The thing I kepr hearing tonight was, "that's illegal." Crap! There's alot of illegal stuff in Judo.

I'm use to doing ground and pound submission fighting. Most of the techniques I know I haven't been taught yet in Judo, so I really can't just do them during newaza. Crap crap crap!!!!!!!

I did manage to throw my instructor once, then when I tried it the second time I was elevated and fell kind of hard. It was cool!!!

Relax, take your time.

I'm lucky, that I used to be one of the biggest guys in class. Still got thrown a lot though. Strength is a supplement, not the core of judo. crap!

Brian, just keep at it, and don't get stuck on the "that's illegal" hypocritical BS that judo teaches. Then it becomes a bad habit.

-Taison out

Judo isn't really my thing but I'd say this to anyone who has just started martial arts;
- Don't give up.
- Train you hardest.
- Never go out and look for a fight because you know how to.
- Enjoy it.

= D

Well I find the people that improve the most quickly tend to:

1. Attend as many classes as possible
2. Actively listen to advice given
3. Get involved, go for it, and put their full effort into each session.

My advice is simply to do those three things. A reasonable degree of fitness and strength never hurt anybody though (however one can develop this and/or supplement this through Judo training.

Get involved, have fun, don't be afraid to ask questions and accept advice.

I started Judo last night, I never felt so much out of my depth. I enjoyed every bit of the lesson too

Looking forward to the next one