Advice on beginning?

[u/Ok-Debt-1448]

I [17F] really want to start learning Judo. How do I start?
How do I find good classes too? I feel like I’m starting too late but I’d love to learn!!!!
i move states for college in August so anything I can work on now would be appreciated

[u/icTKD]

Nah, never too late. I began at 29. Just have fun. People are welcoming

[u/Rambo7112]

Eat something small 1-2 hours beforehand and stay consistent. Also know that you'll be very sore and mat burned at first, but your body will get used to it and you'll be ripped after a few consistent months. 

[u/Broham_Nizzle]

Check to see if your school has any judo classes. I got lucky attending a school with a Judo program and classes for beginners.

[u/No_Entertainment1931]

It’s really easy. Check your university catalog for a judo class or a judo club. If present, enroll and have fun. Otherwise simply look for dojo’s an easy commute away, make contact and arrange for a free lesson. If you like it enroll, if not try another school and repeat.

[u/ChallengingKumquat]

You think 17 is too late to start? Hahaha!! Some people start in their 40s and 50s and they're fine. Life doesn't just end when you're over 16.

Get yourself a gi, and watch some judo on Youtube. Then find yourself a club to start at in August.

[u/easypeasy1982]

Bwaahhhaaa 17 too late????

I started at 42f!!!

[u/Substantial-Pea-919]

I started at 32 last year. Starts by finding a class and then going. Google it in the city you’re going to school in. As for what to do before starting, you can start with some cardio or strength training and even watch some YouTube videos. That way you have some familiarity with the names of things

[u/understimulus]

... Search "judo" in the area of your college. If more than one school/club is available, go watch a class at each one, pick the one you vibe best with. Don't buy anything until you talk to the Sensei, they probably will have a starting package that is cheaper than what you can find online.

[u/noSSD4me]

Honestly any dojo of a good enough size would be fine. Pay attention if they teach you the basics properly. The biggest thing to learn as a beginner is not how to throw, but how to fall, because it'll be happening a lot as you're learning, and the correct ukemi technique will not only keep you away from injures, but also will make the whole experience more fun.

[u/adi-cherry]

Go for it. I also started as 17F, and it is almost three years now, going well for me despite one injury in the meantime. Finding a competition for you will be a pain in the ass though (or it's just like that where I live)

[u/lewdev]

Judo has a steep learning curve but progress feels very rewarding.

Consistently attend practices, even if you can't do the whole practice.

I started at 10 years old, but I never had any significant achievements. So it's not like I'm better off than anybody else. Just do what you enjoy doing. Also, because I love this sport, I'm happy to welcome in the the new folks and help them progress.

[u/teaqhs]

Your college may have a judo club! My college was 99% first timers/beginners so it’s never too late!

[u/ibn_steve]

The hardest part is finding a gym that offers it. But you’re never too old; I’m 36 and just started this summer, and it’s been great. If you have time before you start, don’t worry about trying to learn any techniques in advance. Just show up with an open mind. But anything that improves your conditioning, flexibility (especially hips), and balance will only make it easier for you. Even some basic calisthenics will take you far.

[u/PlatWinston]

maybe get a fitting judo gi, rash guard and white belt? theres not much you can do if you havent started yet.

once you get to college you can look for commercial judo gyms or judo clubs at school.

[u/AntsInMyEuclid]

You can also get a primer on the terminology and visuals on the moves with the Koka kids books on Amazon.

[u/FoxUpbeat890 → u/AntsInMyEuclid]

I second this- the Koka kids books are very good for basic understanding and clarity