• Teaching the importance of bowing, respect for instructors and peers, and understanding the values of judo.

• It's essential to maintain our dojo and mat area, which includes self-discipline: wearing a clean judogi, keeping nails trimmed, cuts coveredand ensuring feet and shoes are off the mat.

Some common terminology during a judo class:

1. Hajime - "Begin": This command signals the start of a practice or match.

2. Mate - "Stop": Used to pause the action, often during drills or matches.

3. Tsuzukete - "Continue": A command to resume the activity after a pause.

4. Yame - "Finish": Used to end a practice or a match.

5. Nage-waza - "Throwing techniques": Refers to techniques involving throws.

6. Katame-waza - "Grappling techniques": Refers to techniques involving pins and holds.

7. Ne-waza - "Ground techniques": Focuses on techniques performed on the ground.

8. Kumikata - "Grip": Refers to the way judokas hold onto each other’s judogi (uniform).

9. Shido - "Warning": Given for minor infractions during a match.

10. Ippon - "Full point": Indicates a winning throw or technique, ending the match.
    

The philosophy of judo is rooted in several key principles that guide practice, competition, and personal development. Here are the main elements of judo philosophy:

1. Judo as a Way of Life

- "The Gentle Way": The term "judo" translates to "the gentle way." This emphasizes using technique and leverage rather than brute strength, promoting the idea of efficiency and effectiveness.

2. Mutual Welfare and Benefit

- Judo emphasizes the importance of respect and cooperation among practitioners. The idea is that both partners in training help each other improve, fostering a sense of community and support.

3. Self-Improvement

- Judo encourages continuous personal growth, both physically and mentally. Practitioners are urged to strive for self-discipline, resilience, and self-awareness.

4. Technique Over Strength

- Judo teaches that skill and technique can overcome physical strength. This principle encourages practitioners to focus on strategy and precision in their movements.

5. Respect and Courtesy

- Respect for instructors, peers, and the dojo (training space) is fundamental. Practitioners bow as a sign of respect and acknowledge the importance of discipline in training.

6. Mental Discipline

- Judo promotes mental fortitude, including focus, patience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Practitioners learn to handle challenges both on and off the mat.

7. Lifelong Learning

- Judo is viewed as a never-ending journey of learning. Practitioners are encouraged to remain open to new ideas and techniques, regardless of their level of expertise.

8. Physical Fitness and Health

- Engaging in judo contributes to overall physical health, teaching the importance of fitness, nutrition, and well-being.

9. Balance and Harmony

- Judo emphasizes the balance between physical and mental training, cultivating harmony between body and mind.

Judo philosophy extends beyond the mat, influencing practitioners' lives in various ways. It promotes values such as respect, cooperation, and perseverance, making it not just a martial art, but a way to develop character and contribute positively to society.

• Instructing fundamental judo throws, such as O Goshi and Ippon Seoi Nage, while prioritizing the safety of both the uke (the person receiving the throw) and the tori (the person executing the throw).

• An introduction to ground techniques (ne-waza) including pins (osaekomi), joint locks (kansetsu), and strangles (shime) to prepare participants for competition.

• Warm-up and conditioning activities are aimed to promote flexibility, coordination, and strength that include running, stretching, and fundamental movements like rolling and falling.

• Each judo program emphasizes dynamic stretches, agility drills, and strength training tailored for all athletes, with a strong focus on injury prevention.