Preparing for Your Judo Trial Class at JSD Düsseldorf
Welcome to JSD Düsseldorf! We’re excited you’ve chosen us for your judo trial session. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, please review the following guidelines.
Before You Arrive
Plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled class time. This will give you ample time to settle in and prepare. Remember, we train barefoot to maintain a clean and hygienic dojo surroundings. Please bring a clean towel to dry your feet after washing them. Soap is provided. You’ll also want a pair of flip-flops or similar footwear for walking between the changing room and the mat.
During Your Session
for a focused training experience, please use the restroom before class begins. Eating is not permitted inside the dojo.
Parents of Young Judoka
We encourage parents to support their children in following dojo etiquette. You are welcome to observe the class from the dojo or relax in our agreeable lounge area.
We look forward to welcoming you to JSD Düsseldorf and sharing our passion for Judo!
The Dojo Door: An Interview with Judo Master Sensei Hiroshi Watanabe
Welcome back, judo enthusiasts, to another insightful episode of ‘The Dojo Door’! Today, we have the immense pleasure of hosting sensei Hiroshi Watanabe, a 5th-degree black belt and renowned judo coach with over 30 years of experience. Sensei Watanabe, thank you for joining us.
Sensei Watanabe: It’s my honor to be here.
Moderator: We’re excited to delve into the fascinating world of judo, particularly in light of the welcoming guidelines outlined by the Judo Sportschule Düsseldorf (JSD) for prospective students. Let’s start with the emphasis on arriving 15 minutes early. Do you find this period to be crucial for setting the right mindset for training?
Sensei Watanabe: Absolutely! Arriving early is about more then just punctuality; it’s about mentally transitioning into the dojo surroundings. It allows students to leave behind the stresses of daily life, center themselves, and prepare for focused training. Just like a samurai sharpening his sword before battle, a judoka shoudl prepare their mind and body for the challenges ahead.
Moderator: Speaking of readiness, JSD recommends washing feet upon arrival and training barefoot. This might seem unconventional to some, but could you shed light on the reasons behind this practice?
Sensei Watanabe: Cleanliness is paramount in judo. Training barefoot promotes hygiene, preventing the spread of germs and ensuring a clean training surface for everyone. It also fosters a sense of respect for the dojo space and the tradition of the art.
Moderator: The guidelines also discourage eating inside the dojo, emphasizing a focused training experience. What are your thoughts on this?
Sensei Watanabe: I wholeheartedly agree. Judo demands concentration and discipline. Eating can be distracting and may lead to discomfort during training. A clear mind and an empty stomach allow for optimal focus and performance on the mat.
Moderator: JSD encourages parental involvement, welcoming them to observe classes or relax in the lounge area.
Sensei Watanabe: This is commendable. Judo is a family-oriented martial art. Involving parents fosters a sense of community and allows them to witness their children’s progress firsthand. It also demonstrates how deeply JSD values parental support.
Moderator: Sensei Watanabe, thank you for your time and wisdom. Your insights have undoubtedly illuminated the deeper meaning behind these guidelines.
Readers, we’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your experiences with dojo etiquette and what you believe makes for a successful training environment.
Let the conversation flow in the comments below!
