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Judo, answered before your first class

Do I need to be in shape before my first judo class?

No — you get in shape by training, not before you start. A good beginners class meets you where you are: you'll learn to fall safely (ukemi), practice a throw or two and some groundwork at your own pace, and you can tap or take a breather whenever you need to. Wear comfortable athletic clothes (or a judogi if you have one), bring water, and tell the sensei it's your first time. 383 dojos here are flagged by members as genuinely beginner-friendly — look for the "Beginners welcome" badge. New to judo? Start here →

How much does judo cost a month?

Memberships at dojos here run around $40 a month, though they range widely — judo is famously affordable, and many nonprofit and community clubs charge as little as $20 to $150 a month depending on the dojo and how often you train. The low-risk way to start: 249 dojos here offer a free trial or intro class — the "Free trial" badge flags them. Prices change often, so always check the dojo's own schedule. Read the full cost guide →

Will I have to spar (randori) on my first day?

No. Beginners spend their first weeks learning to fall safely and drilling throws and groundwork technique — nobody throws you into hard randori. At most dojos live randori is introduced gradually, only when you're ready, and tapping early and often keeps everyone safe. Bow in, show respect (rei), and you'll find it's one of the friendliest rooms in martial arts. If it matters to you, ask a dojo how it eases beginners into randori before you join. Find beginner judo classes →

Can kids train judo, and what age can they start?

Yes — many dojos run kids' and teens' classes, often starting around age 4 to 6, focused on coordination, discipline, confidence, and a calm, respectful approach to self-defense (judo's anti-bully reputation is a big reason parents enroll). 625 dojos in this directory list kids' or youth judo — check the "Kids & teens" badge, and always confirm the exact ages with the dojo. Find kids judo near you →

Is there a free trial or intro class?

Often, yes — a free or discounted first class is the best way to try a dojo before you commit, so you can meet the sensei, watch a class, and see how the room feels. 249 dojos here advertise a free trial or intro offer. Offers change, so confirm on the dojo's own site. Find a dojo with a free trial →

What should I wear and bring to my first class?

Comfortable athletic clothes you can move and sweat in, and plenty of water. Judo is trained in a judogi (the heavy cotton uniform), but you don't need to buy one to start — most dojos will lend you a loaner gi for your first class, so athletic wear is fine on day one. You'll train barefoot on the mats. As you keep training you'll want your own judogi and, in time, the next belt your dojo awards you as you progress from white toward black. See the full what-to-bring guide →

What's the difference between judo, BJJ, wrestling, and other martial arts?

Judo is an Olympic grappling art built on throws (nage-waza) — the goal is to throw your partner to the mat, ideally for ippon, and it also includes groundwork (newaza) with pins, holds, and controls. Brazilian jiu-jitsu focuses mostly on that ground game, wrestling on takedowns and top control, and striking arts like karate and boxing are stand-up. Many dojos in this directory teach more than one, so you can add groundwork or another art to your judo under one roof. Compare judo vs other martial arts →

Are there women's judo classes?

Yes — judo is for everyone, and many dojos run women's classes or women-friendly beginner sessions in a welcoming, respectful room. 63 dojos here list a women's judo program. It's a supportive way to build fitness, confidence, and real self-defense skill. Find women's judo classes →