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FAQ's
What is the difference between Judo & Karate or Tae Kwon Do?
Karate and
Tae Kwon Do focus primarily on striking techniques with the hands
and feet. Judo focuses on throws, hold-downs, chokes (above age 13)
and bone-locks (above age 17) techniques. Advanced Judo
practitioners (Judoka) also learn striking and blocking techniques.
Which do you recommend Judo or Karate?
Naturally,
I am going to say Judo because that is my discipline. Every adult
must decide for himself or herself. However, for children I
recommend Judo over Karate because of the safety aspects
incorporated in Judo.
What must I do to take Judo lessons?
You must
enroll with the Calvert County Parks & Recreation Department at the
Northeast Community Center or Mt. Hope Community Center.
How do become a Budokan Judo Club member?
Budokan Judo Club is a Class A charter member of the United
States Judo Association (USJA). To be a club member, active USJA
membership is required. USJA annual membership currently cost $45
with family discounts for 3 or more.
Why is USJA membership required?
Several reasons:
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USJA is our ranking authority. One must be a member in order to
advance in Judo rank.
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In order to participate in any Judo activity outside of class, one
must be nationally affiliated with an organization approved by the
United States Olympic Committee (USOC). USJA is approved by the
USOC.
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USJA provides for its members supplemental insurance coverage to,
from and at Judo events and classes.
Do I need any special equipment?
After the
first two or three classes, you will need a Judo uniform, called a
Judo gi. Additionally, athletic supporters are advisable for the
men and sports bras for the ladies. It is also suggest that each
student has some type of slip on & slip off footwear for when off
the mats. Judo is practiced barefooted. For cleanliness and
safety, students may not leave the classroom barefooted.
How much do the classes cost?
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Basic Self
Defense Class $43 for 4 classes when offered.
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Introduction to Judo at Northeast Community Center Free when
offered
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Judo Class
at Northeast Community Center $63 per quarter with family,
military and law enforcement discounts.
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Judo Class
at Mt. Hope Community Center $35 per quarter with family
discounts.
Are there any additional costs?
Total
beginning costs include:
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Class Fees
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Uniform
Cost - $20-$30
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USJA
Annual Membership - $45
Possible
costs later:
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Junior
Promotion Fee - $12
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Senior
below Brown Belt Promotion Fee - $15
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Senior
Brown Belt Promotion Fee - $25
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New belts
promotion - $5
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Local
Tournament Entrance Fees - $25-$40
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Clinic/Seminar Fees - $25 - $50
So I enrolled in class...Now what?
Congratulation! Welcome! Now you are going to learn how to fall!
Yeah sure you have fallen plenty of times in your life...you
probably have a few bumps and scars to show for it. What if you
could learn how to fall in a consistent and reliable way to avoid
injuries? Like that idea? Good! In Judo we fall a lot. After we
fall, we like to get up...unharmed. That being said, lets start
falling.
How is a typical class structured?
The class begins with all the students lining up and showing
respect for Judo and the instructors by bowing. Once the opening
formalities are completed, warm-up exercises will be performed to
get everyone loosened-up. The instructor will then demonstrate
techniques in detail then allow you and your partner to practice the
selected techniques. About mid-way through the class, we will stop
for a devotional and prayer. After the devotional, we will continue
learning techniques. Near the end of class, it is not unusual to
engage in "randori" or "free practice" in which you and your partner
will actively try to use all the skills you have acquired in your
Judo training.
Hey, when am I going to break boards?
Never! The sport of Judo does not include kicking and punching,
however, striking techniques are taught as advanced Judo self
defense techniques. Why would you want to break boards anyway? I
have never been attacked by a board, people yes but boards no.
Judo is a skill that includes many aspects. There are throws in
which you off-balance an opponent and deliver them to the ground.
There are many grappling techniques which include "joint locks"
(can you say ouch?) and chokes (can you say Achhpht!) Generally
speaking though, we refrain from attacking boards.
Am I wrong or are these folks speaking Japanese?
You would be correct. Although discussions and lessons are NOT
in Japanese, you will learn some Japanese. Japanese is
the official international language of Judo. Therefore, technique
names, scoring at tournaments and general principals are usually in
Japanese.
Chokes! Joint Locks! This sounds serious!
Yes, it is serious. For safety purposes, students under 13 are not
taught chokes. Students under 17 are not taught joint locks. Our
students learn these techniques under the close supervision.
Partners while learning these techniques employ the "tap-out"
safety measure. If while practicing a technique you or your partner
are feeling pain or discomfort, simply tap twice on the mat, on your
partner, on yourself or even just say "stop" Your partner will
immediately release any pressure as will you if you are the
aggressor.
When am I going to get my black belt?
Rank advancement differs with every student and depends on how
diligent you are in study and practice. This club is sanctioned by
the United States Judo Association (USJA). Belt ranks are awarded
after meeting USJA requirements, which includes fulfillment of
time-in-grade, point, written exam and demonstration exam
requirements. Students periodically test for rank advancement in
class or at special events.
If I go to another Judo Club, will they recognize my rank?
Belt ranks earned in this club are awarded by the United States Judo
Association (USJA). USJA belt ranks are honored both nationally and
internationally.
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