Before your first judo class, ask the club whether it can lend you a judogi (judo uniform) and what clothing it allows for a trial session. Bring water and sandals or flip-flops for walking off the mat, arrive on time, remove jewelry, and keep your nails short. Expect introductory movement and practice in how to fall safely, though each club sets its own class plan.
What should I wear to my first judo class?
Check with the club before buying anything. A judogi consists of a jacket, trousers, and belt, but some clubs lend one to newcomers for a first session. Ask whether a loaner is available, what trial clothing is acceptable, and whether the club has particular uniform requirements. France Judo’s beginner equipment guidance supports checking for a loaner first; it does not establish a universal uniform standard for clubs elsewhere.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
If the club says you need to bring training clothes, follow its instructions rather than guessing. Wear clean clothes and remove jewelry before class. For children, the IJF’s school-specific dojo guidance also recommends tying back long hair and removing metal hair accessories.
What should I bring?
- Water: France Judo recommends bringing water for the session and afterward.
- Sandals or flip-flops: Use them in changing areas and other spaces away from the tatami, the judo mat. You train barefoot on the mat, but the IJF advises against walking barefoot off it.
- A towel: Optional, but potentially useful.
These are practical basics, not a reason to buy a full kit before you know the club’s requirements. France Judo’s first-class guide covers the uniform, water, and off-mat footwear.
#1 Best Overall
- Judo Uniform: Be quicker and faster with our single-weave judo gi uniform. Our uniform is designed to enhance your skills so you can apply every technique comfortably & flexibly during training & competition.
- Get the Perfect Fit: Comes in various sizes with an included white belt. Sizes for Adult men, women, and kids available
- Superior Cotton Blend: Our Gi is made from a soft, FUJI premium cotton blend that is comfortable and durable. The pants come with an elastic waistband for kids sizes 0000 through 0.
- Great for Beginners: Our judo uniform for adults and kids are made for heavy-duty training and feel great on the mats. This makes it an excellent choice for both beginners and veterans.
- Easy to Clean: Our gi comes pre-shrunk and is woven to minimize shrinkage. We recommend cold washing and hand drying; with this method, your judo uniform will shrink minimally and last longer.
What happens in a first judo class?
France Judo’s adult beginner guide says the first sessions mainly introduce basic movements and how to fall safely. Its outline includes a bow and a warm-up that may involve light running, movement drills, stretching, and basic movements. That is a federation overview, not a guaranteed schedule: your instructor may organize the session differently.
Learning to fall safely is foundational to taking part in judo practice. Let the instructor demonstrate and guide you; do not try to teach yourself techniques or practice on the mats without a teacher present. The IJF’s teacher guidance is written for school settings, but its emphasis on adapting instruction and correcting dangerous mistakes supports a sensible general approach: ask when you are unsure and tell the instructor about relevant limitations before joining in.
Rank #2
- ✔ 100% Premium Cotton - Since this Gi is constructed entirely of premium cotton, it has a smooth feel and sturdy build.
- ✔ Grain Cloth Fabric - This Gi is made of durable 450gram grain cloth and has reinforcement on the shoulders and pants are made of 8oz Twill/ Drill Fabric With Reinforcement on Knee.
- ✔ Multiple Purposes - This Judo Gi is practical and ideal since it may be used in alongside Jiu Jitsu or Aikido
- ✔ Preshrunk - Our gi is woven to reduce shrinkage and comes pre-shrunk. Your judo outfit will shrink less and last longer if you wash it in cold water and dry it by hand.
- Judo Pant Made Of 8oz Twill/ Drill Fabric With Reinforcement on Knee
How should I handle etiquette and safety?
- Arrive on time. If you are late, wait for the instructor’s permission before stepping onto the tatami.
- Follow the instructor’s directions. Bowing on entry and exit, greeting partners, and taking an assigned place are described in the IJF’s dojo guidance. Follow the club’s local practice rather than assuming every class handles these details identically.
- Keep nails clean and short, and remove jewelry. The IJF identifies jewelry as a potential danger to you and others, and its dojo guidance includes hygiene expectations.
- Wear sandals off the mat. Do not walk barefoot through off-mat areas.
- Ask before acting if something is unclear. Only practice under the instructor’s supervision.
Should I buy a judogi before my first class?
Usually, wait until you have asked the club. If it lends a uniform or permits other clothing for a trial, you may not need to buy one for the first session. If you do need to purchase a judogi, confirm the club’s preferred requirements and sizing before choosing one. France Judo describes introductory sessions for several age groups and directs prospective students to affiliated clubs, but local availability, schedules, and costs need to be checked with the club directly: France Judo’s first-class guide.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Judo Uniform: Be quicker and faster with our single-weave judo gi uniform. Our uniform is designed to enhance your skills so you can apply every technique comfortably & flexibly during training & competition.
- Get the Perfect Fit: Comes in various sizes with an included white belt. Sizes for Adult men, women, and kids available
- Superior Cotton Blend: Our Gi is made from a soft, FUJI premium cotton blend that is comfortable and durable. The pants come with an elastic waistband for kids sizes 0000 through 0.
- Great for Beginners: Our judo uniform for adults and kids are made for heavy-duty training and feel great on the mats. This makes it an excellent choice for both beginners and veterans.
- Easy to Clean: Our gi comes pre-shrunk and is woven to minimize shrinkage. We recommend cold washing and hand drying; with this method, your judo uniform will shrink minimally and last longer.
Rank #4
- Judo Uniform: Be quicker and faster with our single-weave judo gi uniform. Our uniform is designed to enhance your skills so you can apply every technique comfortably & flexibly during training & competition.
- Get the Perfect Fit: Comes in various sizes with an included white belt. Sizes for Adult men, women, and kids available
- Superior Cotton Blend: Our Gi is made from a soft, FUJI premium cotton blend that is comfortable and durable. The pants come with an elastic waistband for kids sizes 0000 through 0.
- Great for Beginners: Our judo uniform for adults and kids are made for heavy-duty training and feel great on the mats. This makes it an excellent choice for both beginners and veterans.
- Easy to Clean: Our gi comes pre-shrunk and is woven to minimize shrinkage. We recommend cold washing and hand drying; with this method, your judo uniform will shrink minimally and last longer.
Rank #3
- Judo Uniform: Be quicker and faster with our single-weave judo gi uniform. Our uniform is designed to enhance your skills so you can apply every technique comfortably & flexibly during training & competition.
- Get the Perfect Fit: Comes in various sizes with an included white belt. Sizes for Adult men, women, and kids available
- Superior Cotton Blend: Our Gi is made from a soft, FUJI premium cotton blend that is comfortable and durable. The pants come with an elastic waistband for kids sizes 0000 through 0.
- Great for Beginners: Our judo uniform for adults and kids are made for heavy-duty training and feel great on the mats. This makes it an excellent choice for both beginners and veterans.
- Easy to Clean: Our gi comes pre-shrunk and is woven to minimize shrinkage. We recommend cold washing and hand drying; with this method, your judo uniform will shrink minimally and last longer.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
