Where to Practice Judo?
Judo is played around the world and the United States in a club environment. You may find it at a local recreational center, a YMCA, a church or synagogue, or along with another martial arts dojo. Regardless of where you play several things need to be present for a good and healthy experience. The facility should be equipped with proper mats. Tatamis are the standard. They break your fall and provide enough traction to play while slippery enough to avoid leg injuries. Puzzle mats usually do not provide enough padding to avoid injuries in the short and long term. Wrestling mats are sticky, leading to unnecessary leg injuries. Additionally, the facility should be free of obstacles, like posts or low hanging beams or ceilings. Good leadership is critical, an experience instructor will train you properly, minimize risk of injury, and guide your development. This is likely a Black Belt in judo. Anyone can teach A technique, but a black belt will teach you the entire system. When it comes to Black belts, you are looking for an organization that stands behind him. The International Judo federation (IJF) regulates judo worldwide, The Kodakan in Japan. The IJF only recognizes three organizations in the US: USA Judo, US Judo federation, or the United States Judo Association. Many other organizations and individuals claim to know Judo (Charlatans) but are not recognized. This is critical. You do not want to learn improper techniques or spend years training to only have your credential not recognized in the greater judo world. Come look at Yama Judo as your training place in the mountains of Western North Carolina.
