GEELONG YMCA JUDO CLUB

Newtown YMCA Stadium, Riversdale Road, Newtown, 3220

Welcome to the Geelong YMCA Judo Club! We are a community-focused club dedicated to promoting the sport of judo in the Geelong area. Our experienced and knowledgeable instructors offer coaching for all levels, Class photo from beginners just starting out to advanced players looking to refine their skills. Whether you're looking for a fun new activity, a great way to stay in shape, or a challenging sport to compete in, we've got something for everyone. Join us today and discover the many benefits of judo!

About Us

Who are we?

Our community club has been operating in Geelong for over 60 years, and we are run by dedicated volunteers who have a passion for sharing the benefits of Judo with others. We believe in fostering a positive and inclusive environment where everyone can learn and grow together. We are a registered and affiliated club with Judo Victoria, Judo Australia and the International Judo Federation.
Our sessions cater to all levels of judoka, from beginners to advanced practitioners. We offer a safe and supportive space to learn and improve your Judo skills, with experienced and qualified instructors who prioritize safety and proper technique.
We welcome anyone who is interested in learning Judo, regardless of their age or background. Whether you are looking to compete, improve your fitness, or simply try something new, we invite you to join us and discover the many benefits of Judo!

What is Judo?

Judo is a martial art and combat sport that originated in Japan. The word "judo" means "gentle way," and it is characterized by the use of throws, joint locks, and chokeholds to subdue opponents. Judo focuses on using an opponent's strength and momentum against them, rather than relying on brute force.
Judo techniques can be practiced both for sport and for self-defense. Judo training emphasizes physical conditioning, mental discipline, and respect for one's opponent and for oneself. Judo is practiced by people of all ages and skill levels around the world, and is recognized as an Olympic sport.

Our Coaches

Meet our talented and experienced Judo coaches! They bring a wealth of knowledge and skills to our club and are passionate about sharing the art and discipline of Judo with students of all ages and abilities.

Jake Bensted
2nd Dan.
2016 Olympian.
Commonwealth Games Medallist.
Australian National Team Member.

Ashlee Bensted
1st Dan.
Former National Level competitor.
Qualified disability support worker.

Assistant Coaches

Emily Bensted - 2nd Dan
Peter Farrow - 4th Dan
Reagan Peart - 1st Dan
Wade Patterson - 2nd Kyu

Classes

We run classes every Wednesday night during the school terms, with all classes pausing over the school holidays.

Junior Kids - Prep to Year 2

Wednesday 4.45-5.30pm (45 minutes)

Junior kids class photo This is class is designed for primary school kids’ children between the ages of 5 and 8 years old and introduces them to the fundamentals of judo in a safe and fun environment. A typical class consists of warm-up exercises, the learning of basic Judo techniques, such as throws and pins, as well as games and skill based activities that help develop safe falling techniques and important judo skills.
Judo emphasizes respect, discipline, and self-control, and these values are also emphasized in the class. Students will be taught the importance of listening to instructions, showing respect for their instructors and peers, and controlling their movements to prevent injury.
In addition to physical techniques, Judo classes for young children often include interactive games and exercises that promote coordination, balance, and flexibility. These activities also help the students develop important social skills, such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
The minimum age for the Junior Kids class is 5 years old (Must have started Prep.)

Senior Kids - Year 3 to Year 6

Wednesday 5.45-6.45pm (60 minutes)

Senior Kids class photo This class is for children aged between 8 and 12 years of age designed to continue building on the fundamentals of judo, while also providing a more challenging and structured environment for more advance students.
A typical class will usually begin with a warm-up to get the body ready for physical activity. This might include gymnastic exercises, running, or other games that involve movement. After the warm-up, the instructor will usually teach some basic judo techniques. These might include throws, pins, or escapes, depending on the level of the students. The instructor will often demonstrate the techniques and then have the children practice them with a partner. The students will then have the opportunity to learn to apply the techniques in Randori, which is a form of sparring that allows the students to practice their skills against an opponent in a controlled environment.
During the class, the instructor will also emphasize the importance of respect, discipline, and sportsmanship. Judo is not just about physical skill, but also about developing mental strength and character. The children will learn to bow to their partners and instructors, and to treat others with kindness and respect.

Adults and Teens - Ages 13+

Wednesday 7.00-8.15pm (75 minutes)

Teens and Adults class photo The Teens and Adults class is a great way to learn the martial art of judo and improve physical fitness, mental strength, and self-defence skills. The class teaches a mix of Traditional Kodokan judo as well as more modern competition style judo, making it suitable for beginners through to advanced students. Men and women from all walks of life are welcome to join this class for a well-rounded training experience.
The class will begin with a warm-up that prepares the body for the physical activity that follows. This could include stretching exercises, calisthenics, and safe falling exercises.
During the class, students will learn a variety of judo techniques, including throws, pins, and submissions. Students will have the opportunity to practice their techniques with a partner, and participate in Randori or sparring, which allows them to apply their skills in a more realistic setting.
The coaches will tailor the class to the individual needs and abilities of the students, providing a challenging and rewarding training experience for all.

Location

We are located upstairs at the YMCA Stadium in Newtown.

25-33 Riversdale Road, Newtown, Vic, 3220

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I able to come along for a trial class to see if judo is for me?

Everyone is welcome to come along for 1 trial class to see if judo is for them. We do ask that you please message us to let us know when you are planning to come in.

What should I wear to my first judo class?

It is best to just wear a pair of shorts and a t-shirt, as well as bring a water bottle. We have jackets and belts to loan to students during their first 2 weeks of classes. After that we ask that all students that are enrolled in judo classes after their initial 2 weeks purchase their own judo suits.

What are the costs per class?

The tuition fee per class is $10.80 and is billed on a fortnightly basis. When enrolling you will be charged a pro-rata fee which will cover any classes left in the fortnight. The billing will pause for school holidays when we are not running classes and you may cancel any time.
We are a community club, our coaches are all volunteers and all the money we make goes towards paying for the hall hire and club registration costs.

What level are your classes? Are they suitable for beginners?

At all our classes we have varying levels of players, ranging from beginners just starting out in judo to advance students who have been involved in the sport for many years. We have people of all ages, physical abilities and walks of life that all train together. We aim to keep our classes as inclusive as possible, scaling exercises to the abilities of the student ensuring that everyone has a enjoyable and safe experience every time they step onto the mat.

How do I sign up?

All our class registrations are handled by the Newtown YMCA. You can register and set up your direct debit by either speaking to the front desk at the entry to the YMCA during business hours or through the YMCA Newtown Website.

Where can I buy a judo suit from?

We do stock a small range of kids sized judo suits, which we sell at a cost price of $80. For Adults and Teens, we can order them in also at cost price. The coaches will be able to size you up and ensure you get a correctly sized judo suit. Judo suits can also be sourced cheaply from local op shops and online retailers.

How often do you hold gradings?

We hold 2 junior gradings per year in term 2 and term 4 and hold senior gradings throughout the year as required. We do not charge for club gradings, we just ask that you cover the cost of your new belt ($10.)

Are there opportunities to compete in competitions?

Throughout the year there are many competitions held around Victoria. These competitions range in level from beginners to advance and have age categories from under 9 years of age all the way up to veterans (30+ years of age.) We will hand out information to attend these competitions as they come up during the year.
Competition is a great way to test out what you have been learning in class and give you a better understanding of judo. We encourage all students who are interested in competing to try and attend some of these events.

Where can I learn more about judo?

There are many great resources online to learn more about judo, below are some of our favourites:

What is Judo? (Website)
Quick guide to judo and competition rules (Video)
Videos of Judo Techniques (Website)

Contact Us

If you would like to enquire about a class or have any other questions, please get in contact with us using the form below or through our email judogeelong@gmail.com.
We are also active on Facebook and Instagram if you prefer to message us on there.

If you would prefer to speak to us on the phone, please send through your phone number and an indication of when suits you best for a call (inside/outside of business hours, weekend etc) and we will do our best to get back to you promptly!