Judo

Judo roughly translates as 'gentle way' in Japanese, and though it can appear to be anything but gentle, it's skill, technique and timing that will see you gaining different colour belts as you improve.

Get Involved

An Overview of Judo

Judo is one of two martial arts included in the Olympics, and it is easy to try it, with all clubs registered with the British Judo Association offering free starter sessions and 'judo gi' (uniforms) to borrow.

Judo is an unarmed Olympic combat sport that demands both physical prowess and great mental discipline. It was founded by Jigoro Kano in Japan in the 1880s and has grown in popularity to become one of the most popular individual sports across the globe. Judo translates into English as "the gentle way".

Judo is the only martial art currently a part of the Paralympics. Visually Impaired or 'VI' Judo is a specially adapted form of judo for individuals with visual and other impairments.

Two players (called judoka) compete against each other on an 8m x 8m matted area for up to 5 minutes with the player scoring the most points winning the contest. Scores of varying degrees are awarded for throws, holds and more, with the coveted "ippon" score ending the contest. If the scores are level at the end of the 5 minute period the contest goes to 'golden score' with the first person to score any point winning the contest.

Benefits

Judo serves as a great cardiovascular workout, which improves stamina, general health and overall fitness. Physical strength is also improved as a direct result of trying to control and dictate the movement of the opponent and as well as enhanced power.

Involvement

Use British Judo's Club Finder.

Adaptations and Equipment

All you need to try judo is baggy/loose old clothing (something you don't mind stretching) or basic gym kit – a t-shirt and jogging bottoms. Most judo clubs have a judo jacket they can loan to you for your first session, after which you may choose to purchase a basic judo kit called a judge. As you progress you will be required to wear a 'Gi' which is the Japanese name for the traditional uniform used for Judo practice and competition.

Contact your local Physical Activity, Health & Wellbeing Team

Across Leicestershire, Leicester & Rutland the Physical Activity, Health & Wellbeing Teams are providing opportunities to support you to become more active.

Daily Boost

The Daily Boost aims to encourage children and young people to do 15 minutes of organised activity at school every day, benefiting their long-term physical and mental health and wellbeing.

This Girl Can

No one gets to choose how you exercise other than you. Your body, your call. And whatever that looks like, we think it’s worth celebrating. This Girl Can, funded by The National Lottery, believes th

Leicester Judo Club (part Of Leicester Karate Club)

Total Combat Academy

Mixed Martial Arts and Fitness Gym in heart of Leicester City

University Of Leicester

Our university was founded almost a hundred years ago in the aftermath of the Great War. The men and women who built this new institution hoped that it would be not only a living memorial to the darkness of their recent past, but a beacon of hope for the

Aylestone Leisure Centre

Aylestone Leisure Centre offers activities in our sports halls, together with our 3G football pitch, swimming pools and gym.

Aylestone Judo Club

Millfield Judo Club

Leicester Leys Leisure Centre

This centre has a leisure pool with wave machine, activity pool and a toddlers and baby pool, as well as a climbing wall, gym and facilities for many other activities.

Tudor Grange Samworth Academy

Tudor Grange Samworth Academy is an all through school. We have a wide range of sporting opportunities for all students in the Primary and Secondary phases. The school also welcomes the community as we take bookings in the evenings and weekends.

Latimer Primary School

Gold Kitemark Primary School. Daily Mile in some classes. GoNoodle whole school. Active breaks throughout the day and school.

GEC Judo/Karate Club

Elliott Hall for Youth & Community (CIC)

Providing a range of activities for all ages and abilities, supporting health and well-being, isolation and exercise. Open Monday to Friday

Team Red Star

Active Blaby

Active Blaby is your local service to help people become more active. We work hard to give people the capability, opportunity and/or motivation to add a bit more movement into their daily lives.

The Deep End Activity Centre

The Deep End Activity Centre provides a multi-use community sport, health and physical activity space. The newly refurbished area includes a kitchen and changing area, providing a fantastic space available for the community to use.

Quorn Judo Club

Rawlins Academy

Rawlins is an 11-18 Academy in Quorn

Cedars Judo Club

Sakura Judo

Judo for all ages (from 5) and experience. We train everyone from complete beginners to British Judo advanced apprentices - aiming for the Olympics in Toyko.

Active Charnwood

Active Charnwood is a network of sport & physical activity partners who work collaboratively to advocate and develop inclusive sport and active recreation opportunities for all within the Borough of Charnwood.

Loughborough University Students Judo Club

Loughborough Students Judo Club

Loughborough University

Loughborough is extremely proud of its reputation for providing the best student experience. From its earliest days Loughborough University has produced research that matters, with strong links with industry, commerce and the professions.

Loughborough Judo Lunch Club

A great opportunity to try an Olympic Sport and a martial art every Friday lunch time.

Sport England

Sport England is committed to helping people and communities across the country create sporting habits for life.

CSS Judo Club

An inclusive Judo Club recognised by the National a Governing Body for Judo (BJA). Junior sessions Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Senior sessions Tuesday at 8pm.

Tora Kai Judo Club

Active Hinckley & Bosworth

Active Hinckley and Bosworth are a team of individuals delivering, promoting and supporting all things sport and physical activity across the borough.