Classes

Dojo schedule

We practice on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, beginning with our Special Needs/Little Kids at 4:00 pm, Juniors from 5:30-6:45 pm, Seniors from 8:00-9:30 pm, Junior Novice from 4:30-5:20 pm, and Senior Novice 7:00-7:50 pm.

Our Little Kids class has children as young as 4 to 6 years old learning simple tumbling and balancing movements, animal crawls, games, learning their left from their right, and following directions. This class prepares them for our regular Juniors class.

Usually, from ages 6-12, our Juniors may begin practicing Judo as young as 6, depending on their maturity and growth. Not only does our instruction include technical practice, but it also includes instilling personal growth by setting Judo & school goals, cooperating with others, and respect/discipline to face challenges in Judo and their life. 

Our Junior & Senior Novice classes are for new students to prepare them for joining our regular practices and others who want to work on basic ukemi and other fundamental skills.

What does the student learn?

Each class begins with a series of warm-up and stretching exercises. This aids in developing flexibility. At first, students are taught to fall correctly to protect themselves from injury and to develop safe practice skills.  Other exercises help to sharpen movements that will refine their Judo techniques. Lessons are given by one of the instructors or “Senseis.”  The techniques are taught and practiced with other dojo members while being corrected by the “Senseis.”

After the lessons, “randori” or free practice occurs, where members improve their techniques in motion with full contact and learn counter techniques which are eventually used in tournaments.

Beginning Judo students start at the white belt level. Children are promoted as they learn each curriculum for each level and show a degree of competence. The promotion levels progress from yellow belt to orange, green, blue and purple and for those thirteen years old and up, brown and black. Adult students begin at the white belt level and as the United States Judo Federation promotion standards dictates, the first level of promotion is to a brown belt. From that point, the student works towards his/her black belt. 

Judo tournaments

Nearly twenty Judo tournaments are held throughout the year in the Southern California area with additional tournaments at the regional, national and international level.  By competing in judo tournaments, points are earned toward promotions.  All students are encouraged to participate in tournaments. Here is our Nanka Judo tournament calendar. However, our 2020 tournament schedule has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.

How does one join Sawtelle Judo?

New students complete our registration enrollment, liability waiver and USJF membership registration forms.  Students may begin practicing Judo as young as 4 years old or older.  All levels of experience are welcome to practice.

For more information, you can also visit us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube at Sawtelle Judo Dojo.