Useful tips for those starting out in Judo/Jujutsu...

[bignick]

Just looking for some tips from those more experienced to those just starting out on what to look for and things to really pay attention to when first starting out

My first tip:

Work on ukemi.....

[Andrew Green]

Don't expect to stay upright. Don't fight it, you're going to get thrown. Just accept it, and pay attention to how they do it, and what they do before you find yourself flying.

[Henderson]

Breathe. Falling while holding your breath really hurts!

[Henderson]

Do not reach for the mat. It will find you soon enough.

[green meanie]

Originally Posted by Henderson

Do not reach for the mat. It will find you soon enough.

Hehe. Good call.

[Hand Sword]

Keep the mind set of ... DON't GIVE UP!

[bignick]

Good one.

Also, pay close attention to what your instructors are doing with their feet and hips, not just their hands. Probably the biggest difference between a beginner and more intermediate student is one that doesn't use his whole body for a technique.

To this day me and my friend will designate responsibility during class, one will watch exactly what his feet are doing and the other will focus on the upper body, and later we will piece it together, much easier sometimes than seeing the whole picture yourself...

[Lisa]

Relax.

[Jesse]

Make sure your break falls are correct. Don't fall with your arms down first. Hit the mat the swing the arm out or you hear a "POP" from the shoulder.

[Aaron Fields]

Sweat more, talk less


Aaron Fields

[Shirt Ripper]

Improve your flexibility. Applies to pretty much everything in life so...

[Kembudo-Kai Kempoka]

I second Jesse's comment. Get your breakfalls down PAT! Each impact landed poorly is like a low-speed car wreck on your body, and the cumulative effect of these can add up to some early-onset arthritis...all over.

So make sure you remain fluid, and land well. You're going to hit the mat anyways...you might as well do it right.

Regards,

Dave

[KOROHO]

Originally Posted by bignick

Just looking for some tips from those more experienced to those just starting out on what to look for and things to really pay attention to when first starting out

My first tip:

Work on ukemi.....

2nd: Ukemi
3rd: Ukemi

[JudoJunkie]

After you master falling, remember to be kind and considerate to your partner when practicing. Judo is not a sport you can learn by yourself. If you are considerate to your partner, hopefully they will return the favor.