So you’ve decided to start Judo — awesome choice.
Here are a few things I wish I had known before setting foot on the mat.
Starting Judo was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I had some pre-existing knowledge from practicing martial arts as a child — but going into Judo for the first time, I had no idea what to expect. From the sometimes confusing terminology, to the muscle soreness, I had a lot to learn (and unlearn). If you’re new to Judo, or just thinking about taking up the journey, here are five things I wish someone had told me when I first started.
Falling is a Skill — and You’ll Do It A Lot
In Judo, you don’t just learn to throw — you also learn how to get thrown. That means mastering ukemi (breakfalls). Training is usually done in pairs, and with a give-and-take mentality (i.e. you throw me, I throw you), meaning you spend just as much time getting thrown as you do throwing others. Learning how to fall safely will not only drastically reduce your risk of injury, but it will also boost your confidence on the mat. If you’re new and struggling to get used to taking a fall, I recommend taking the time to ask one of your dojo’s higher belts to throw you around. This’ll get you used to the feeling real quick.
Being Strong Isn’t the Same as Being Good
Judo rewards technique, timing, and leverage far more than brute strength. As a beginner, I relied too much on muscle and ended up getting tossed by smaller, more experienced judoka. Focus on movement and balance first, strength will come over time. Trying to brute strength your way through a throw is an easy way to injure yourself as well as your training partners.
Tapping Out Isn’t Losing, It’s Learning
I’ve seen many beginners who seem to think that tapping out from a submission attempt is accepting failure — it isn’t. Everyone taps, even black belts. In reality, tapping is how you learn. It’s recognizing that you put yourself in a weak position which your opponent took advantage of. Redefining a tap as a part of the learning process will make you more aware of the small mistakes you made that led to you tapping.
Progress Feels Slow, But It Adds Up
There are no shortcuts in Judo. You’ll drill the same throw for months, feel like you’re getting nowhere, then one day it clicks. Improvement is often invisible at first. Don’t chase after the next belt, instead chase better movement, better control, and better technique. My sensei taught me that sometimes it’s good to take a step away from Judo to clear your head, and he’s right. There are times when I feel like I’m not making progress, but after coming back from a short break, I’m well rested, energized, and ready to learn better than before.
The Community Matters More Than You Think
Judo is more than a martial art — it’s a shared experience. You’ll meet people who help you grow, hold you accountable, and push you further than you thought you could go. Show respect, ask questions, and help your training partners. You’ll get better together.
Final thoughts
Everyone’s Judo journey is a little different, but we all start at the same place: confused, awkward, and trying not to fall on our faces. And that’s okay. If you’re just getting started, I hope these tips help you feel a little more grounded. Stick with it. Judo has a lot to teach you.
See you on the mat,
Will
My Judo 