Our specialised beginners’ course will be running throughout Michaelmas 2011.

We will kick off with a demonstration session on Saturday 8th October, 4:30-7pm. You will be introduced to the coaches, and taken through a series of judo-specific warm up activities, games and gymnastics. Following this you’ll be shown a couple of basic techniques, and have the chance to try them out. The session will finish with a demonstration of judo techniques by some of the clubs more advanced members.

The beginners’ course will then continue on Thursday evenings, 6-8pm. Over the term, you will be taken through a structured course to teach you the basic elements of judo. Early in the term this will involve breakfall practice, which will allow you to be thrown and fall safely. Alongside the breakfalls you will learn a number of groundwork techniques: chiefly pins and escapes from pins. Towards the end of the term, you will be taught some common throwing techniques.

The emphasis in judo is upon practice, so throughout the course you will regularly be given the opportunity to practice your newly-learned techniques. By the end of the term, if you have attended the majority of the course, you should be able to “grade up” and achieve your red belt in judo.

All sessions will take place at Fenners Gym. See the training and beginners pages for more details.

If you would like more information, or have any questions, then you can email us at c.u.judo@sport.cam.ac.uk, or drop in and see us at the Societies Fair. This will take place at Kelsey Kerridge Sports Centre on Tuesday 4th (11am-6:30pm) and Wednesday 5th (10am-3pm) October. We will be at stall V02 in the Fenner’s Gallery.