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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.

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.

Costs

Judo sessions will be priced differently at different clubs. There may also be a cost for equipment if you plan to stay medium/ long term.

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.

Facts

  • Judo, which means "The Gentle Way", is a Japanese martial art based upon the ancient techniques of jujutsu.
  • In 1972 GB Judo won their first medals in the Olympic Games winning 1 silver medal and 2 bronze medals.
  • Judo had two female medallists at the London Olympics – Gemma Gibbons and Karina Bryant

Find Judo Clubs/Groups Near You

Use the search below to find local organisations near you.

Milton Community Sports Hub

Our hub aims to serve local people in and around the Milton Area of north Glasgow. We want to improve the health and well being of local people by getting more people more active more often.

Summer of Fun

Celebrating 10 Years On from the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2014. Summer of Fun aims to provide free and affordable events and participation programmes across the city for Glaswegians to enjoy.

National Governing Bodies

Judo Scotland

Contact Email
info@judoscotland.com
Contact Telephone
+44 (0) 131 333 2981
Bellahouston Judo Club

Bellahouston Judo Club

Judo for adults in a friendly, welcoming environment. The club provides opportunities for both recreational and competitive Judo.

Iron Skull Krav Maga

Iron Skull Krav Maga

Krav Maga is for everyone, regardless of age or ability. 

Milton Judo Club

Milton Judo Club

Milton Judo Club is a small friendly club that provides judo instruction for players from age 5 for beginners and experienced players alike. We welcome players with intellectual and physical disabilities and promote 'Judo for All'.

Judo

Glasgow Judo Club

A Judo Scotland & British Judo Member Club. Glasgow Life Club Mark Accredited. Aim: To foster, teach and promote the Olympic Sport of Judo.

Pro Judo

Pro Judo

Through judo we aim to offer an opportunity regardless of ability. From beginner to expert we aim to support you on your journey through Judo!

Govan Sports Hub

Govan Sports Hub

Active Govan supports sports clubs and physical activity providers within the local Govan area to work together to provide opportunities for people to stay or become active within their community.

Southside judo

Southside judo

Southside Judo are a local club and pride ourselves in getting kids fitter whilst having fun learning Judo.

All coaches at the club are volunteers and all money goes back into the club to keep the costs down and to help with fees and cost of gradings.

Mount Vernon Community Hall

Mount Vernon Community Hall

Mount Vernon Community Hall sits within Mount Vernon Park in the East End of Glasgow. It has parking for about 40 cars. The hall is run by a group of volunteers and hosts a number of activities including Judo, Taekwondo, and dance. See website https://

Brian Long School of Judo

Brian Long School of Judo

Brian Long’s School of Judo provides opportunities for all ages to receive coaching by a national level experienced coach plus the chance to compete in a range of Martial Arts. We provide a variety of different sports and activities which is focused

Movement Park

Movement Park

Based in our converted warehouse in Whiteinch, Movement Park is an innovative multi-activity facility, delivering a wide range of movement competency based activities that will provide a strong solid base for life-long participation in sport.

Easterhouse Sport Centre

Easterhouse Sport Centre

A home for sport and physical activity for the community.

Active Glasgow East

Active Glasgow East

Active Glasgow East serving the areas of: Baillieston, Garrowhill and Mount Vernon by working with a range of clubs and community organisations.

GSB judo

GSB judo

GSB Judo is a local judo club in the east end of glasgow teaching kids aged 5 years to adults. We also teach judo and deliver judo tasters in the local schools.

Brian Long School of Judo (5+ years)

Brian Long School of Judo (5+ years)

Come and learn the art of Judo! Brian Long's Martial Arts Academy provides opportunities for all ages to receive coaching by a national level experienced coach plus the chance to compete in a range of Martial Arts at all levels.

Brian Long School of Judo (17+ years)

Brian Long School of Judo (17+ years)

Come and learn the art of Judo! Brian Long's Martial Arts Academy provides opportunities for all ages to receive coaching by a national level experienced coach plus the chance to compete in a range of Martial Arts at all levels.

Krav Maga Self Defence Training for Adults

Krav Maga Self Defence Training for Adults

Krav Maga Self-Defence Training is a practical, efficient martial art focusing on real-world situations and instinctive movements. Designed for individuals of all skill levels, it's particularly accessible for beginners, thanks to the expertise of certified instructors who emphasize safety, technique, and situational awareness. Group sessions not only enhance physical preparedness but also build a strong sense of community, boosting confidence and support among participants. This training empowers people to protect themselves, improving physical fitness and mental resilience in a supportive group environment.

Brian Long School of Judo (8 - 16 years)

Brian Long School of Judo (8 - 16 years)

Come and learn the art of Judo! Brian Long's Martial Arts Academy provides opportunities for all ages to receive coaching by a national level experienced coach plus the chance to compete in a range of Martial Arts at all levels.

Brian Long School of Judo (4 - 7 years)

Brian Long School of Judo (4 - 7 years)

Come and learn the art of Judo! Brian Long's Martial Arts Academy provides opportunities for all ages to receive coaching by a national level experienced coach plus the chance to compete in a range of Martial Arts at all levels.

Brian Long School of Judo (4 - 7 years)

Brian Long School of Judo (4 - 7 years)

Come and learn the art of Judo! Brian Long's Martial Arts Academy provides opportunities for all ages to receive coaching by a national level experienced coach plus the chance to compete in a range of Martial Arts at all levels.

Brian Long School of Judo (8 - 16 years)

Brian Long School of Judo (8 - 16 years)

Come and learn the art of Judo! Brian Long's Martial Arts Academy provides opportunities for all ages to receive coaching by a national level experienced coach plus the chance to compete in a range of Martial Arts at all levels.

Brian Long School of Judo (4 - 7 years)

Brian Long School of Judo (4 - 7 years)

Come and learn the art of Judo! Brian Long's Martial Arts Academy provides opportunities for all ages to receive coaching by a national level experienced coach plus the chance to compete in a range of Martial Arts at all levels.

Brian Long School of Judo (8 - 16 years)

Brian Long School of Judo (8 - 16 years)

Come and learn the art of Judo! Brian Long's Martial Arts Academy provides opportunities for all ages to receive coaching by a national level experienced coach plus the chance to compete in a range of Martial Arts at all levels.

Brian Long School of Judo (17+ years)

Brian Long School of Judo (17+ years)

Come and learn the art of Judo! Brian Long's Martial Arts Academy provides opportunities for all ages to receive coaching by a national level experienced coach plus the chance to compete in a range of Martial Arts at all levels.

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