Question 1

Is it hard to start learning judo?

Accepted Answer

No. In fact, your first few classes will probably be focused around teaching break falls, roll outs and a few beginner throws. The hardest part for most people is learning how to fall correctly in order to avoid injuries. It takes between 3-6 classes to get up to speed.

Question 2

Classes end really late but my child still wants to train. Do you have alternative times?

Accepted Answer

At the moment, our class times are locked in. We have a few solutions for the school year. The first would be to see if your school has a regularly scheduled late start (most secondary schools do) and bring your child to class the night before. The second option would be to pick your student up early from class (this is fine - just communicate with the instructors). Speak to one of us so we can make arrangements and brainstorm solutions together!

Question 3

Can anyone do Judo?

Accepted Answer

Anyone who wants to put the work in can be successful at Judo. Judo, like many martial arts, requires consistent training and practice. If a Judoka is consistent, their skill level will improve faster than someone who is not consistent.

Question 4

How long will it take to get a black belt in Judo?

Accepted Answer

The average Judo practitioner (Judoka) can get their black belt in 5-7 years if they are consistent at practice. You can get a black belt by competing through ranks or through learning and demonstrating different skills and throws. Most will get it through demonstrating skills and throws.

Question 5

Are there punches and kicks in Judo?

Accepted Answer

No. Judo is primarily focused around throws/takedowns, pins, chokes and joint locks.

Question 6

Is Judo good for self defense?

Accepted Answer

Yes - if you are looking to learn how to protect yourself, Judo throws can be very effective for self defense.

Question 7

Mile High Judo seems to compete a lot. Is competition mandatory?

Accepted Answer

No - you do not have to compete to be a member of Mile High Judo. Our focus is competition, but the same skills we teach our competitors can provide an exhilarating workout for people who want to lose weight and learn to protect themselves as well. We encourage it, because it'll make your judo better, but competition is not necessary.

Question 8

What is the difference between Judo and Jiu-Jitsu?

Accepted Answer

In a nutshell, Judo focuses primarily on throws and takedowns from a standing position and incorporates some elements of ground grappling. Jiu-Jitsu is the opposite, emphasizing ground grappling over throws and takedowns. Learning both of these styles creates a well rounded and formidable grappler.

Question 9

How much do Judo classes cost at Mile High Judo?

Accepted Answer

Our membership is structured to be accessible for individuals and families. We offer competitive monthly rates with no long-term contracts required. The best way to get current pricing is to reach out to us directly at milehighjudo@gmail.com or call/text Sensei Matt at 720-651-0653. We also offer a free 2-week trial so you can experience the program firsthand before committing — no cost, no pressure.

Question 10

What age can my child start Judo?

Accepted Answer

We welcome kids as young as 6 years old. Judo is one of the best martial arts for children because it builds coordination, discipline, confidence, and respect — all through safe, structured practice. Our youth classes in Littleton are designed to meet kids where they are developmentally, whether they're 6 or 16. Many of our young athletes go on to compete at the state and national level.

Question 11

Where is Mile High Judo located?

Accepted Answer

We are located at 9903 Titan Court #10, Littleton, CO 80125. We serve athletes and families from across the Denver metro area, including Highlands Ranch, Centennial, Parker, Castle Rock, and beyond. If you're searching for a Judo club near Denver or in the south Denver suburbs, we'd love to have you come try a class.

Question 12

Do you offer a free trial?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We offer a free 2-week trial for all new students. This gives you two full weeks of classes to experience our training environment, meet the coaches, and get a real feel for Judo — completely free of charge. You can sign up through the Free Trial page on our website or reach out to us directly to get started.

Question 13

What do I wear to my first Judo class?

Accepted Answer

For your first class, comfortable athletic wear is perfectly fine — shorts and a t-shirt work great. Once you decide to join, you'll want to get a Judo gi (uniform), also called a judogi. We can point you toward the right gear when you come in. Don't worry about buying anything before your trial — just show up ready to move!

Question 14

Is Judo safe for kids?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Judo has an excellent safety record, especially for children. One of the very first things we teach all students is ukemi — the art of falling safely. Before any throwing techniques are introduced, students learn how to land without injury. Our coaches are trained to work with beginners and create a safe, supervised environment. Judo is actually one of the safest contact sports available for children.

Question 15

Is Judo an Olympic sport?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Judo has been an Olympic sport since the 1964 Tokyo Games, making it one of the longest-standing martial arts in the Olympics. At Mile High Judo, we follow USA Judo standards and our competitors train with the same techniques used at the highest levels of international competition. If competing at tournaments — or even dreaming bigger — is something that excites you, you're in the right place.

Question 16

Is it too late to start Judo as an adult?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not. Many of our students begin training as adults with zero prior martial arts experience, and they thrive. Adults bring focus and commitment that accelerates their learning. Whether you're in your 20s, 30s, 40s, or beyond, Judo offers improved fitness, practical self-defense skills, stress relief, and a welcoming community. If you're an adult in the Denver or Littleton area looking to try something new, come try our free 2-week trial.

Question 17

How does the Judo belt ranking system work?

Accepted Answer

Judo uses a colored belt system to indicate rank. Beginners start at white belt and progress through yellow, orange, green, blue, and brown before reaching black belt. Rank is earned through demonstrated technique, knowledge, and — in some cases — competition results. At Mile High Judo, we guide every student through the ranking system at their own pace. On average, consistent training leads to black belt in 5–7 years.

Question 18

How is Judo different from wrestling?

Accepted Answer

Both are grappling-based combat sports, but they differ in key ways. Judo is practiced in a gi (uniform), and competition scoring heavily rewards clean, powerful throws that put an opponent flat on their back. Wrestling emphasizes control, takedowns, and pinning without a gi. Judo also incorporates ground techniques including chokes and joint locks, which wrestling does not. Many Judo skills transfer directly to MMA and other combat sports.

Question 19

Can Judo help with weight loss and fitness?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Judo is one of the most physically demanding sports in the world — a typical class incorporates cardio, strength, flexibility, and coordination all at once. Students regularly report significant improvements in fitness and body composition within just a few months of consistent training. Whether your goal is competition or simply getting in the best shape of your life, Judo provides an intense full-body workout that never gets boring.

Question 20

What gi (uniform) do you recommend?

Accepted Answer

Choosing your first gi can feel overwhelming, but you don't need to spend a lot to get started. A quality double weave gi will serve a beginner just as well as a competition-grade gi — and it'll take a beating better while you're still learning the ropes. As you progress and start competing, you'll develop preferences around weight, fit, and feel. That's when investing in a higher-end gi starts to make sense.The links below are affiliate links — when you purchase through them, Coach JT earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. It's a simple way to support the club while gearing up for the mat.Starter — Fuji Double Weave ($120)Durable, IJF-compliant, and the gi of choice at Jimmy Pedro's and Jason Morris's clubs. A workhorse that will last for years.Shop on Fuji DirectShop on AmazonCoach's Choice — Mizuno Olympic ($270) — Coach JT's FavoriteA competition-proven gi used at the highest levels of the sport. IJF approved, premium feel. If you're ready to invest in your judo, this is where to start.Shop on Fuji DirectTop End — Kusakura Ichiban JOEX (~$200+)Handcrafted in Japan with premium cotton. IJF 2022 approved. One of the best competition gis on the market.Shop Kusakura

Frequently asked questions