Beginners Inductions
A comprehensive induction programme for newcomers
The Sobell Judo Club London runs comprehensive beginners induction sessions to ensure that each and every newcomer to judo gets off to the best possible start. The sessions run once a month at our London dojo, and take place over two consecutive Wednesdays in conjunction to the regular class. If you have never practiced judo then you are required to take part in an induction before you join the main class. Please read all the information below to understand what is covered in an induction.
Please note: All new students (those who have never done judo before) are required to complete their full induction in order to join the main class.
What you will learn👇
Breaking the balance
Next, you will learn how to take hold of your opponent. As judo is a grappling martial art, it is essential you know how to hold on to your opponent before you learn how to throw them. Following this, you will learn the basic principles of breaking the balance. Judo is not a martial art of brute force, literally translated to 'The Gentle Way', judo is founded on the principle of 'Seiryoku Zenyo' - Maximum Efficiency with Minimum Effort. In simple terms, this means learning how to use skill and technique to defeat an opponent rather than strength alone.
Judo formalities
Another thing you’ll learn about during your induction are the formalities and traditions in judo. Distinguishing us from many others, our club proudly upholds the time-honored customs of judo, such as rei (bowing) and mokuso (meditation). Rei (bowing) in particular serves not only to preserve the essence of judo but also to foster a sense of mutual respect and equality among judoka - much like a handshake in western culture. Because it is a symbol of respect, we insist that the rei is followed by all students. If your religious beliefs do not allow you to bow, please see our club rules which detail a compromise.
What to wear
Please come in a long sleeve tracksuit top and long tracksuit bottoms. Ensure there are no zips on your clothing as these may damage the mats we practice on (tatami). Please wear clothes that you do not mind getting stretched or damaged as there is a small possibility that this may happen during the session. Please do not wear any piercings, please wear minimal makeup to prevent getting chemicals on the tatami; and we encourage all women to wear sports bras beneath their top.
How to breakfall
The first and most important thing that you will learn is how to do a breakfall. A breakfall is a controlled form of falling whereby the impact of the fall is absorbed by the arms and legs - literally breaking the fall - to prevent injury to the body. As judo involves throwing one another, a breakfall is an essential skill to learn as it ensures that once thrown, a student will not get injured and can get up and continue practising.