White Belts

Welcome to Kelowna Judo Club !  We hope you’ll enjoy the Kelowna Club to practice on one the greatest Martial Arts.


Most come to judo to learn a martial art, but there is so much more.  The thing that new students first realize is that there is a hierarchy system and that signs of respect are shown often. 

When first coming onto the tatami (mat area) one bows, this is to show respect and willingness to participate in the judo practice.  There is then the formal bowing in at the start of the class, instructors on one side and students on the other; this is a sign of respect to each other and a way of thanking everyone for being there that day to help one to learn judo.  Bowing also occurs before and after each match, this is showing respect to your competitor and thanking them for working with you so you can better yourself at judo.  All this bowing can be confusing for new students as it is only done in martial arts and no other sport, but it is what makes the martial arts so unique.

Students are also asked to keep there judogis (uniforms) clean, to make sure that their feet are not dirty when coming onto the mat, keeping finger nails and toe nails short so not to injury there partners.

There is so much more to learn from judo then just judo itself, respect, pride, self esteem… Welcome to the Kelowna Judo Club, work hard and enjoy!

If you have any questions, please speak to a Sensi and they will be happy to answer any questions you may have.