Q.	What is the difference between Judo and other marital arts?
A.	There are a number of differences between Judo and other marital arts. Most of the other martial arts involve striking moves with the hands and/or fists. Judo is a grappling art, which includes throws, pins, armlocks and chokes.
Q.	Is there any special equipment needed for someone getting into Judo?
A.	One of the beauties of this activity is that there is very little external equipment required. A Judo "Gi" or uniform is a necessity and can be purchased for about $40. A pair of soft knee pads are useful and are commonly worn.
Q.	Is Judo a sport or is it mainly for self-defense?
A.	Judo is both. It was the first martial art to be made a full time Olympic sport in 1964 and continues to be an event at each Summer Olympics. Judo techniques can also be adapted as a form of self-defense. However, the main value of Judo probably lies in the increased self confidence that comes with continued practice.
Q.	Isn't Judo just a Japanese sport? Who else takes Judo?
A.	Judo has its origins in Japan and it is still widely practiced there today, but it is an activity with wide international appeal. Theodore Roosevelt took Judo lessons when he was president of the U.S. in 1904. Former Canadian Prime Minister, Pierre Trudeau was a black belt in Judo and so is the current president of Russia, Vladimir Putin to name just a few.
Q.	Are there any girls or women in Judo?
A.	Judo is not just a male activity, but rather a sport for both males and females. The first Female World Championship Judo Tournament was held in 1980 in Madison Square Gardens in New York. Females compete in Provincial, National and International tournaments, and female Judoka are also included in the Olympic Games. The St. Albert Judo Club has a number of female competitors and more ladies are welcome.
Q.	What can Judo do for me?
A.	Judo is a great form of exercise and an excellent way to get in shape and lose weight. Judo also requires students to practice new skills, so you will soon find that your overall co-ordination improves. Through the use of drills and excellent instructors (did I mention that we have excellent instructors?) new students will quickly learn the basics. All of the instructors at this club are unpaid volunteers, who try to put something back into the sport, because someone spent time with them when they were young. We encourage and help build self-esteem for all of our students, young and young at heart.
Q.	How do you win in Judo tournaments? Is Judo a "full contact" sport?
A.	Judo competitors score points by throwing their opponents or "pinning" them on their backs for specified periods of time. Kids over 14 years can also use armlocks and chokes to win by submission. All judo competitions are "full contact."
Q.	How is Judo different from other team sports?
A.	Judo is an individual sport. You win or lose on you own merit - which means the more you put into the sport, the more you get out of it.