Beginner Course and FAQ’s

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DID YOU KNOW WE OFFER BEGINNERS COURSES? READ ON TO DISCOVER WHAT YOU COULD LEARN!

ABOUT THE COURSE:

You will learn key skills that will give you the best possible start in Judo:

• How to break-fall (Ukemi)
  At Scarborough Ippon, we feel being able to fall safely is an essential lifeskill and because of this it is one of the most important benefits from taking our induction. Here is a video from Sampson Sampson (9th Dan), our affiliates technical director, to give you a head start!

• How to take hold (Kumi Kata)

• Principles of breaking the balance (Kuzushi)

• A basic throw (Tachi Waza).

• A basic hold down (Ne Waza)
• The etiquette of judo (Do)

• The rules & regulations of Scarborough Ippon Judo Club

COURSE STRUCTURE

After a warm up, our instructor will begin the course. To begin with, you will learn how to what is known in Judo as a ‘breakfall’. A breakfall is a controlled form of falling whereby the impact of the fall is absorbed by the arms and legs – literally breaking the fall – to prevent injury to the body.

As judo involves throwing one another, a breakfall is an essential skill to learn as it ensures that once thrown, a student will not get injured and can get up and continue practising. At Scarborough Ippon, we feel being able to fall safely is an essential lifeskill and because of this it is one of the most important benefits from taking our induction.

Next, you will learn how to take hold of your opponent. As judo is a grappling martial art, it is essential you know how to hold on to your opponent before you learn how to throw them.

 Following this, you will learn the basic principles of breaking your opponents balance. Judo is not a martial art of brute force, literally translated to ‘The Gentle Way’, Judo is founded on the principle of ‘Seiryoku Zenyo’ – Maximum Efficiency with Minimum Effort. Put differently, this means learning how to use skill and technique to defeat an opponent rather than relying on strength alone.

Our instructor will show you how to move your opponents body in a way that they are weakened, laying the foundation of every judo technique. Finally, you will put all this into practice as you learn a basic judo throw and hold down. ​

Throughout the course, our instructor will teach you the etiquette of judo, such as bowing to one another, and the rules of Scarborough Ippon Judo Club.

FAQS

• How many people can participate in the course?
  3-10
• How much is the course?
  £15.00 per person
• How long is the course?
  The course lasts two hours.
• When is the course?
  Our next course is on Sunday 4th January 2026, 10AM.
• Where is the course?
  Rising Sun Dojo
  Unit 1 Depot Lane
  Scarborough
  North Yorkshire
  YO12 4EB
• Are there any age restrictions for the Beginners Induction Course ?
  Yes, the course is for ages fourteen and above. The content for ages 8-13 is slightly different because we do not teach strangles and chokes (Shime Waza) or arm locks (Kansetsu Waza) to junior judoka. Please get in touch with us on Facebook or WhatsApp if you would like a children’s course.
• Can I book a mixed course for children, teenagers and adults?
  Yes!
• Why do you do a beginners course?
  As judo is a high contact martial art, it is vital that every person who practises it has a solid foundation to prevent themselves or others from getting injured. The beginner’s course teaches newcomers fundamental Judo skills that ensure they can engage in Judo in the safest possible way.
  
  It also provides newcomers an opportunity to test whether Judo is for them!
• What should I wear?
  We recommend tracksuit tops and trousers which do not have tags, zips or toggles. Please ensure there are no zips as these can damage the mats (tatami) we practise on. Please do not wear anything which you would not like to be damaged, as there is a small chance clothes can be ripped or stretched during the course. Due to the high contact nature of Judo, jewellery and piercings are prohibited.
• What happens afterward?
  You will be able to attend ANY of our sessions, so long as you have a licence and pay our usual fee (£4/hr for members).
• Why do I need a licence and how much do they cost?
  Judo licences are available at our club under our national governing body, JFAUK. The licence insures you and us and allows all students to participate in gradings, courses and competitions. The licence costs £45 for the first year. Included in this price is a Judo record book and theory book to assist with your learning. Renewals cost £37 per year. After your induction, we can organise a JFAUK membership for you at the dojo.
  You are welcome to obtain a licence from another governing body if you wish. However, we will not be able to grade you. We are only authorised to grade under JFAUK. Therefore, if you plan on grading at Scarborough Ippon, we recommend you purchase a JFAUK licence.
• How do I book an induction?
  Please contact us via facebook, or text/ WhatsApp us on 07539 680556. More details can be found at the bottom of this page.
• Can I join the main class after the course?
  Yes, you can. We train every week on Tuesdays, 19:00-20:30 for seniors.
• Have more questions?
  You can find us on Facebook or give us a call- we would love to hear from you!