Are you looking for martial arts classes in Leicester for yourself or your child?
Judo is an exciting and rewarding martial art that can help people of all ages develop confidence, fitness, discipline and practical skills. Whether you are searching for your child’s first activity or want to try something new as an adult, Powell Judo Academy offers a welcoming place to begin.
Our Leicester judo classes are suitable for complete beginners as well as people who already have martial arts experience. You do not need to be especially fit, flexible or confident before you start—we will help you progress at your own pace.
What Is Judo?
Judo is a Japanese martial art based around throws, holds, movement and control. Rather than using punches or kicks, students learn how to use balance, timing and technique.
Training also includes learning how to fall safely, known as break-falls. This is one of the first and most important skills taught to beginners.
Judo can be enjoyed recreationally as a way to stay active, or students can work towards gradings and competitions as their experience grows.
Why Is Judo Good for Children?
Choosing the right activity for your child is important. You want somewhere they can be active, enjoy themselves and develop skills that will benefit them outside the class too.
Build confidence
Judo gives children opportunities to overcome challenges, learn new techniques and recognise their own progress.
As their ability develops, children can become more confident in themselves and more willing to keep trying when something feels difficult.
Learn discipline and respect
Respect is an important part of judo. Children learn to listen to their coach, work positively with their training partners and follow the rules of the class.
These expectations help create a structured environment in which children can learn while still enjoying themselves.
Improve fitness and coordination
Judo keeps children moving. Classes can help them develop:
- Balance and coordination
- Strength and general fitness
- Agility and body awareness
- Movement and reaction skills
- Safe falling techniques
Because the sessions involve learning with partners and practising different skills, children may find judo more engaging than exercising on their own.
Develop resilience
Not every technique works on the first attempt—and that is part of learning judo.
Children are encouraged to practice, listen to feedback and try again. This can help them understand that making mistakes is a normal part of improving.
Make friends and feel part of a team
Although students develop individually, judo is a social activity. Children train with partners, support one another and celebrate each other’s progress.
This gives them an opportunity to make friends and become part of a positive martial arts community.
Work towards clear goals
Children can progress through judo gradings as they develop their knowledge and ability.
Gradings give students something positive to work towards and allow them to see how far they have come. Those who are interested may also have opportunities to take part in competitions.
Why Choose Judo for Your Child in Leicester?
Powell Judo Academy provides structured, beginner-friendly children’s judo classes in New Parks, Leicester.
We understand that joining a new activity can feel daunting. Children are supported as they settle into the class, learn the basics and build their confidence.
There is no expectation for a new student to already understand judo. Every experienced judoka once walked into their first class as a complete beginner.
Why Try Judo as an Adult?
It is never too late to start judo.
Our adult judo classes welcome complete beginners, returning students and experienced judoka. You can train recreationally, improve your fitness, work towards gradings or explore competition when you feel ready.
Get a full-body workout
Judo is an active martial art that uses the whole body. Training can help develop strength, cardiovascular fitness, coordination and mobility.
It also offers something different from a conventional gym workout. Instead of repeating exercises on your own, you will be learning skills and working with other people.
Learn practical techniques
Adult beginners learn the foundations of judo, including movement, balance, break-falls, throws and groundwork.
Techniques are introduced progressively, giving you time to understand them and build confidence.
Improve confidence
Starting a martial art can take courage, particularly if you have never trained before.
As you learn, improve and overcome challenges, judo can give you a genuine sense of achievement. You may surprise yourself with what you are capable of doing.
Switch off from everyday stress
Judo requires concentration and keeps you focused on the present moment. For many adults, training provides a valuable opportunity to step away from everyday pressures, stay active and spend time with a supportive group.
Train with your own goals in mind
Not everyone begins judo for the same reason.
You might want to:
- Improve your fitness
- Learn a martial art
- Return to a sport you previously enjoyed
- Meet new people
- Work towards your next grade
- Compete in judo
- Find a more interesting alternative to the gym
You can develop at a pace that suits your experience and personal goals.
Why Powell Judo Academy?
Powell Judo Academy provides children’s and adult judo classes in New Parks, Leicester.
The academy is led by Dan Powell, a World and European champion, Paralympic silver medallist and three-time Paralympian. Dan brings extensive experience of training, competing and coaching at the highest level of the sport.
You do not need ambitions of becoming an elite athlete to benefit from that experience. Our focus is on providing supportive, inclusive coaching that helps every student make progress.
At Powell Judo Academy, you can expect:
- Beginner-friendly children’s and adult classes
- Experienced coaching
- A welcoming and supportive atmosphere
- Structured opportunities to develop
- Gradings and competition opportunities
- A Leicester-based martial arts community
What Happens at Your First Judo Class?
Your first class is an introduction to judo and the way our sessions work.
You may begin with a warm-up before learning some basic movement and safe falling techniques. The coach will explain each activity and help you take part at an appropriate level.
You will not be expected to know any terminology or techniques before arriving.
If you do not already own a judo suit, contact us before your trial and we will let you know what to wear and whether a suit can be provided.
The most important thing is simply to come along and give it a try.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is judo suitable for complete beginners?
Yes. Our Leicester judo classes welcome complete beginners. You will be introduced to the basics and supported as you develop.
What age can children start judo?
Please contact Powell Judo Academy with your child’s age and we will advise whether the current children’s class is suitable for them.
Does my child need to be confident or sporty?
No. Children join judo with different personalities, fitness levels and experiences. Classes are designed to help them develop their skills and confidence over time.
Is judo safe for children?
Judo is taught in a structured environment, with an emphasis on control, cooperation and learning how to fall safely. Students are expected to follow instructions and look after their training partners.
As with any physical activity, judo cannot be completely free from risk, but techniques and activities are introduced appropriately under the supervision of the coach.
Am I too old or unfit to begin judo?
You do not need to be at peak fitness before attending your first class. Adult students can start at different ages and fitness levels, and beginners are encouraged to progress gradually.
If you have an injury or medical condition, speak to your healthcare professional where appropriate and let the coach know before taking part.
Do I need a judo suit for my first class?
Contact us before attending and we will explain what to wear. You do not need to buy specialist equipment before finding out whether judo is right for you.
Where are the classes?
Powell Judo Academy is based in New Parks, Leicester. Visit our timetable or contact us for the current venue details and class times.
Can I compete?
Competition is available for students who are interested and ready, but it is not compulsory. You can also practice judo recreationally for fitness, enjoyment and personal development.
Start Judo in Leicester
If you have been searching for martial arts classes in Leicester, the best way to decide whether judo is right for you is to experience a class.
Come and meet the Powell Judo Academy team, learn the basics and discover what you or your child could achieve.
No previous judo or martial arts experience is required.
