Practicing judo: getting started, training and gear
Starting judo at any age, choosing a club and a gi, structuring your training and your strength and conditioning.
Benefits of judo: body, mind and club life
The benefits of judo for kids and adults: all-round fitness, learning to fall safely, confidence and respect for others. What the mat gives you, and its limits.
How much does judo cost? Every expense in a season
How much does judo cost? Club fees, federation membership, the gi, gradings, competition travel and the BJJ comparison, plus practical ways to spend less.
How to choose a judo club near you: what to check
Looking for a judo club near you? The criteria that matter: a qualified coach, real class times, the atmosphere on the mat, a trial class and what to ask.
How to wash a judo gi: temperature, drying and smell
How to wash a judo gi without shrinking it: water temperature, air drying, getting rid of stubborn smells, and the old rule about never washing your belt.
Judo exercises at home: how to train without a partner
Judo exercises at home with no partner: band uchi-komi, breakfalls, core, towel grip work and shadow judo, put together in a 30-minute session.
Judo for adult beginners: starting at 30, 40 or 50
Judo for adult beginners: starting at 30, 40 or 50, getting past the fear of falling, progressing at your own pace and protecting your body in randori.
Judo for kids: what age should your child start?
Judo for kids: the best age to start, what classes for 4 and 5 year olds look like, how a kids' class runs and how to pick the right club for your child.
Judo for self defense: what it really gives you, and its limits
Is judo good for self defense? What it gives you on the street (falling, balance, control), where it falls short against strikes and weapons, and what to add.
Judo for toddlers and preschoolers: classes for ages 3 to 5
Judo for toddlers and preschoolers explained: what happens in a class for 4 and 5 year olds, typical games, session length and what kids gain from it.
Judo gi buying guide: weave, fit and size explained
Judo gi buying guide: how to pick the weave weight, the cut and the right size for your height, plan for shrinkage and meet IJF rules for competition.
Judo gi size chart: how to pick the right size
Judo gi size chart by height and build, how to check sleeve, jacket and pant length, and how much room to leave for shrinkage before you order.
Judo strength and conditioning: what to train and when
Judo strength and conditioning: the qualities that matter (strength endurance, power, interval fitness), how to plan your season and drills that carry over.
Judo warm-up: a 15-minute routine before class or competition
A 15-minute judo warm-up: joint mobility, gradual cardio, breakfalls and light uchi-komi. A concrete routine for training sessions and competition days.
Judo weight training: the lifts that matter and how often
Judo weight training: pull-ups, rows, deadlifts, core and grip work, how many sessions a week, and how to get stronger without moving up a weight class.
Nage-komi in judo: drilling full throws safely
Nage-komi in judo: why you need to finish your throws, how to use a crash pad, how often to drill, safety rules and what uke should do between reps.
Taiso judo: the no-throw fitness class some judo clubs run
Taiso in judo explained: what the word means, the no-fall conditioning class some federations and clubs offer, who it suits and a typical session.
Uchi-komi in judo: drills, variations and how many reps
Uchi-komi in judo explained: what it is, the main variations (static, moving, three-person), how many reps to do, uke's role and the mistakes that waste it.
Women's judo: history, mixed classes, kit and competition
Women's judo: the history of female judoka and Rusty Kanokogi, training in mixed classes, the white t-shirt rule, weight classes and tips for beginners.