What To Expect

Upon arriving at the Ritoru Tatsu Freestyle Judo Academy & Club Kempton Park you will be welcomed to the Dojo by one of our instructors, most likely our Chief Instructor. After some initial discussion to address any preliminary questions you will be directed toward our student room or place of safe keeping to store your items (shoes, keys, etc.) while taking part in class.

Shortly thereafter, you (or your child) will be brought onto the main floor of the dojo. Once on the mats one of our instructors or senior members will go through some preliminary warm up and stretching with you in a step-by-step manner while explaining why each movement is performed. Once the pre-class introductory warm up is complete, class begins.

Once your very first class officially begins – you will be taught a one-on-one private lesson that introduces you to the basic curriculum of Freestyle Judo. Your partner during this lesson will be either a senior member of the school or a black belt level assistant instructor (with supervision, guidance, and direct interaction of the Chief Instructor as well). They will not only teach you the basics of break falls Ukemi’s and the Judo techniques but work with you, “showing” you how to fall, move and feeling your techniques first hand giving you direct feedback on each component of your technique. Of course, this allows you to have questions answered immediately on a one-on-one level. This ensures that at the earliest stage you are establishing a strong foundation of correct understanding and technique as you begin your first steps as a student (Judoka or Kohan) of Freestyle Judo (Traditional Kodokan Judo)!

From the foundation established in the first class – we methodically incorporate you into the group setting with your second class and beyond. During these early stages your instructors and senior members of the school are there to guide you each step of the way!

Important – Three Week Induction Course – Compulsory to all Beginners:

You will under go a three week induction course to Judo, this is a compulsory  to all beginners. You will be wearing a Red belt to identify you as a new comer to our Academy and club. After the three (3) week induction course,  if you are under the age of 4-9 years you will keep on wearing the red belt, and if you are  10 and above you will be wearing a white belt.

The date of the 3 week induction course will be given to you or your parents, guardian by the Chief Instructor.