Beginners Guide
to Judo

Starting your judo journey

Your First Steps at Dragon Judo Club

Starting something new can be a bit daunting, but at Dragon Judo Club in Surrey, we pride ourselves on being the friendliest place to learn. Whether you are looking for judo classes in Walton-on-Thames or judo classes in Weybridge, we make sure every new member feels at home from the second they step through the door.

Watch first, join in when you’re ready

Not sure if it’s for you? No problem! You are more than welcome to come along, sit on the sidelines, and watch a session first. There is no charge for watching, and you only need to step onto the mat when you feel 100% ready.

What to bring & wear

You don’t need any fancy gear to get started:

  • The Basics: Just wear a tracksuit or a loose, long-sleeved top (no hoods or zips, please) and comfortable trousers.
  • Footwear: Judo is practiced barefoot on specialized safety mats, so no special shoes are needed.
  • Moving Forward: Once you’ve decided you love it and want to come regularly, we can help you choose and purchase your own judo suit.

What does a typical lesson look like?

Our sessions are structured to be fun and educational. We usually follow the school term and start with a light warm-up to get moving. We then dive into ground-work and standing techniques, including practical self-defence, before finishing the lesson with a group game.

Recognised progress

At Dragon Judo, your hard work counts. All our gradings are official British Judo Association grades, not just internal club awards. This means your progress is recognised and respected throughout the entire UK.

Simple, flexible pricing

We want judo to be accessible to everyone. You can choose to pay weekly as you go or save money by paying per half or full term. Check our Judo Classes in Surrey page for the full breakdown.

Have a question? Ask Graham!

If you’re still a bit unsure or just want to chat about what we do, feel free to give Graham a call. He’s incredibly approachable and happy to have an in-depth conversation to put your mind at ease before your first visit. Alternatively you can send an enquiry.