Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is Judo? A: Judo is a martial art developed by Jigoro Kano in 1882, and adopted as an Olympic sport at the Tokyo Olympics in 1964. The Japanese word Judo literally means the gentle way, it combines ancient combat arts with modern sports training and a philosophy of continuous improvement. Balance, timing, strategy and tactics, are essential characteristics of Judo. Q: My child is coming home with bruises and scrapes, should I be concerned? A: With any new sport there is a period of work hardening, when your body adapts to and develops strength in the new movements you are learning. Judo is no different, there may be sore spots from time to time. Q: How long does it take to get your black belt? A: For everyone it is different. Those who train five days a week year round will progress faster then someone who only attends classes once a week. Promotions up to brown belt are done at the club according to our inhouse grading eligibility points system. Yudansha promotions (to black belt and above) are done by our provincial governing body according to a national grading syllabus. Q: Do boys and girls fight each other? A: In class there is a mixture of males and females and there is the opportunity to practice together. However, in competitions boys and girls will always compete in different divisions. Q: What is the youngest a child can be to take lessons? A: At Asahi we require that a child be a minimum of 4 years in order to take lessons. Q: What does the membership cover? A: The membership fee covers classes for one session, which run from 12-15 weeks. If you have taken out a weight room membership you have unlimited access to the weight room throughout that twelve week session (You can use the weight room whenever we are open!) Q: What is a shift workers pass? A: A shift worker is a membership in which you pay for a block of 12 classes, which can be used according to your schedule. The block of classes does not need to be used within a regular session, the purchased block of classes will not expire. Q: What are the policies regarding the weight room? A: If you would like to use the weight room, you must have a membership. You may not use the weight room if you are under 16 without the direct supervision of our coaching staff.