FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Below are a selection of frequently asked questions regarding judo and the Sobell Judo Club.
Please take the time to read through the FAQ before contacting us as it is likely your question has been answered below.
If you still have a question, please contact us and we will be happy to help.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where and when do you practice?
We train Mondays and Wednesdays at the Sobell Leisure Centre in Finsbury Park. You can view our full training schedule here.
Why do I have to wear a white judogi?
We only allow white judogi as we are member of JFAUK and the WJF.
Do I have to do a beginners induction?
If you have never practiced judo before you will be required to do a beginners induction before joining the main class. The beginners induction ensures you learn every foundation skills required to get started in judo such as how to fall properly, the correct etiquette in the dojo as well as a basic throw and hold down. You can find our more about our beginners induction page (Menu > Training > Join us).
I have already done judo, do I still need an induction?
Maybe. This depends on whether you already practice judo or whether you have had a break from judo. If you already a regular practitioner then you will not need one and you can attend any training session.
I do BJJ. Do I still need an induction?
Yes. Although BJJ and Judo are extremely similar, our experience has shown us that not many BJJ schools teach proper breakfalls due to their focus on groundwork. Therefore you will still be required to do a beginners induction to ensure you can participate in judo in the safest possible way. If it become apparent that your breakfalls are correct, then you may be invited to join the main class after your first induction session. However, this will be decided by the instructor leading the induction.
Do I have to pay membership fees?
No. You will only be required to pay a mat fee each time you practice as well as your annual judo licence fee which is a legal requirement in the UK.
Do you go to competitions?
Yes! Our govenring body, JFAUK hosts many competitions throughout the year. Additionally we attend various open competitions organised by other governing bodies.
What federation are you part of?
We are members of Judo for All UK, and the World Judo Federation.
Can we do leg grabs?
Yes! As a member of JFAUK and the WJF our rulset allows traditional techniques including leg grabs!
Do you do groundwork (ne-waza)?
Yes! Lots of it! As a member of JFAUK and the WJF, our ruleset strongly emphasises ne-waza, so you will learn just as much groundowrk as you will learn stand up!
Does judo hurt?
According to the American College of Spotrs Medicine, Judo is the safest contact sport for children under the age of 13. Each student who joins the Sobell Judo Club will have the safest possible induction into judo as they will be required to complete a beginners induction course which will show them how to fall properly, ensuring they do not get hurt whilst being thrown. However, as a high impact marial art, there will be times when judo will be strenuous on the body, and there will always be the risk of injury.
I have done another martial art. Do I still need an induction?
Yes. We still need to ensure you understand the basic principles of judo such as breaking the balance and how to fall properly.
Does judo work for self defense?
Yes! Judo is one of the best martial arts for self defense due to its emphasis on realistic sparring (known as randori). Judo will show you how to take down an attacker and give you a great understanding of how to subdue an attacker on the ground. However, as we do not run self defense classes at the Sobell Judo Club, your classes here should not be used as your sole self defense practice and should instead be used to compliment external self defense practice taken at structured self defense classes.
Does judo work in MMA?
Yes! Extremely well. Judo is a superb way to develop takedowns and ground work. Although BJJ is seen as the grappling art of MMA, many people do not know that BJJ actually comes from judo, and all of the techniques Royce Gracie used to win the first ever UFC Championship were actually judo techniques!
Myself / My child has a disability. Can I / they still do judo?
We believe that everyody has the right to practice judo and threfore assess each disability on a case by case basis. We currently have a number of judoka practising at the Sobell Judo Club who have a disability, including one student who although has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, has gone on to achieve his black belt and win a European Championship.
Due to my religios beliefs I cannot bow to other people. Can I still practice judo?
Yes! We understand that many religious beliefs restrict bowing. Therefore, we offer a comprimise which is accepted by the many religous judoka in our club (and by judoka around the world) whereby rather than bowing, we simply ask that you to nod your head to show respect to your fellow judoka.
Are there any age restrictions on joining?