What to Expect at Your First Judo Class in Burnaby
Starting something new can feel a little uncertain, especially when it involves stepping onto a mat for the first time. At Ishikawa Judo Club in Burnaby, first classes are designed to be welcoming, low-pressure, and a lot of fun. Here’s what students and families can expect.
A Warm Welcome on the Mat
Ishikawa Judo Club has been part of the Burnaby community since 1997, and that history shows in the atmosphere. Classes are held at the Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre, a fitting home for a sport rooted in Japanese tradition. From the moment students arrive, the focus is on respect, patience, and belonging.
No one is expected to know anything on day one. The senseis are used to working with all skill levels, and new students are paired thoughtfully so nobody feels out of their depth.
What Actually Happens in Class
A typical class starts with a warm-up and basic movement drills. Learning how to fall safely (called ukemi) is one of the first things every judoka learns, no matter their age. From there, the session moves into technique practice: grips, throws, and groundwork, always with a partner and always supervised.
In the Family Judo program (ages 5 to 8), parents join their kids on the mat. It becomes a shared experience that builds confidence in both child and parent.
Junior Judo (ages 8 to 13) introduces more structured technique as students develop focus, coordination, and the kind of discipline that carries well beyond the dojo.
For teens and adults in the Technical Judo program (ages 14 and up), classes go deeper into refined technique, combinations, and the physical and mental challenge that keeps judo interesting for years. No prior martial arts experience is required. Attitude matters more than ability.
What to Wear and Bring
For a first class, comfortable athletic wear is fine. A t-shirt and shorts or sweatpants work well. Students who continue will need a judo gi (uniform), which can be sorted out with the sensei after the first session. No shoes on the mat.
What the Sensei Expects
Just a positive mindset. Judo rewards patience and persistence. Students don’t need strength, flexibility, or any background in martial arts. Just a willingness to learn and respect for their training partners.
What Students Get Out of It
Beyond the throws and techniques, judo builds something harder to measure: confidence, self-discipline, and a sense of community. Students at Ishikawa Judo Club train alongside people of all ages and backgrounds, and many describe the dojo as one of the most welcoming places they’ve found.
For kids, those lessons show up in school, in friendships, and in how they handle challenges. For adults and teens, judo offers a combination of physical training, mental focus, and real community that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Ready to Get Started?
Classes run on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at the Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre, 6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby. All three programs are currently accepting waitlist registrations.