Equipment for Judo

No special equipment is required of beginning students. Lessons and tournaments are always held on a protected surface covered with tatami style floor mats. Judo is a barefoot activity, so there is no need for any footwear. No metal objects are permitted to be worn, such as belts with buckles, bracelets, rings, earrings, necklaces, or any other type of jewelry. All of these objects can cause minor scrapes and cuts. For your first lesson, we recommended you wear a long sleeved sweatshirt and sweatpants or athletic pants. The club may have a few loaner uniforms available to use for your first few classes.

If you would like to continue practicing judo after a few classes, it is necessary to purchase a uniform (called a judo-gi). Depending upon the size and manufacturer, the price can range between $75 to $300. A judo gi properly cleaned and maintained can last for several years. Be sure that it is NOT a Karate uniform (karate gis are not made for throwing and can rip easier increasing chances of injury), or a JuJitsu uniform, which is tailored and does not have enough material to effectively grasp. Judo gis must be washed in cold water only and hung to air-dry.

Rashguards are optional and are commonly worn under the Judogi to help prevent abrasions and mat burns.