Mellieha Judo Malta
I joined Mellieha Judo Club in Malta in early 2022. This post tries to answer the most common questions from members.
Please note that this page does not intend to be official information. These are personal notes shared to judokas.
Mellieha Judo
- Teacher: David Cucić
- Address: Triq Il-Kbira, Mellieħa.
- Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/people/Mellieha-Judo-Club/100055437381328/
Timetable
Groups
| Group | Age |
|---|---|
| Baby | 3-5yo |
| Group 1 | 6-8yo |
| Group 2 | 9-11yo |
| Group 3 | 12-15yo |
| Group 4 | +15yo |
Kids might be invited to join a higher group if the the teacher considers that the kid is ready.
Dojo
| Dojo | Address |
|---|---|
| Small Dojo | Triq Il-Kbira, Mellieħa |
| Big Dojo | Triq Gorg Borg Olivier, Il-Mellieħa above Restaurant Ta-Randi. |
Schedules
| Time | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
09:00 | Baby (small dojo) | ||||||
10:00 | 6-9yo (small dojo) | ||||||
11:00 | 10-15y and Group 4 (big dojo) | ||||||
15:00 | Baby (small dojo) | Baby (small dojo) | |||||
16:00 | Group 1 (small dojo) | Group 1 (small dojo) | |||||
17:00 | Group 2 (small dojo) | 6-9yo (small dojo) | Group 2 (small dojo) | ||||
18:00 | Group 3 (big dojo) | 10-14 (small dojo) | Group 3 (big dojo) | ||||
19:00 | Group 4 (big dojo) | Group 4 (big dojo) |
Malta Judo Federation
The MJF's website is at www.maltajudo.com.
If you want to participate to competition or grading, you MUST get your MJF licence and you MUST come from a licenced club. Please contact your teacher to get proper registration forms and fees.
Judo-gi (kimono) and obi (belt)
The choice of a kimono is relatively personal. Several factors come into play.
- The material: 100% cotton (more durable) or polycotton (more comfortable).
- Size: For 100% cotton, the kimono shrinks after the first few washes, so it's recommended to take
5to7 cmmore. - Thickness/stiffness: The stiffer it is, the more difficult it is for the opponent to grip.
- Weight: Weight is a consequence of thickness.
- Color (white or blue): Back in my time, white was recommended for training because blue was often used by the teacher to be visible, but the choice is free. Some people prefer blue so it looks less dirty.
- Price: Depends on the factors above.
- Availability: Depends on the supplier.
My style is "traditional", both in technique and with the kimono. I started judo years ago and have kept the teachings of that time as the basis for my practice today.
As a result, I tend to recommend 100% cotton. For beginners I don't recommand the softest models but almost. A relatively lightweight model is good to make it easier for the cardio, white, and durable so that you don't have to change it every year. A cotton kimono used for training and some competitions can easily last 5 to 8 years.
There are many affordable brands available. The kimonos that I use are from SFAM-Noris. A good starter model is the Challenger. Don't forget that 100% cotton will shrinks after the first two washes at 60degC.
The price range is between ~60 EUR and ~150 EUR depending on the size so don't hesitate to look at Adidas. They are a little cheaper but not 100% cotton, so be careful with the size. Cotton is important for durability and smell.
I know there's also a store in Luqa (https://www.dragonscenter.com/). You can call them to ask if they have a kimono in your size. Note that delivery can take several weeks because they need to wait for large orders.
Regarding the belt, you can find one for 10 to 30 EUR depending on color and size.
Mellieha Judo Club can help with SFJAM Noris. Send and email.
Receiving and taking care of your Judo-Gi
Once you receive the kimono:
- Try it to confirm, just in case.
- Wash only the kimono at 60degC, soap only, no softener.
- Dry it completely, you'll see a difference already.
- Wash only the kimono again at 60degC, soap only, no softener.
- Dry it completely, it won't move from now on.
- You're good to go!
- Wash it every 2 or 3 training sessions to keep it clean and not smelly. 60degC, soap only, no softener.
Judo syllabus
The Judo syllabus is a document that describes all topics and learning objectives in a judoka training. See it as a roadmap for judoka development.
You can download the Malta judo syllabus in it's 2015 version.
You can also pick-up some posters from the UK judo federation. They are a bit more friendly for kids:
Kodokan Judo Academy published a playlist of 119 videos to demonstrate many techniques. A simple research in the page will answer your needs.
Grading
Grading in Malta is held by the federation. Once in a while they communicate on a date for the grading. Judoka attend the event in Pembroke and receive a certificate. Ask your teacher
Kata
Kata and randori are 2 principal ways of practicing judo. Kata means "form". It is practiced following a formal system of prearranged exercise. Randori means "free practice". Through Kata practice, trainees learn the principles of techniques.
| Kata (form) | Nage-waza (throwing technique) | Waza (technique) |
|---|---|---|
| Nage-no-kata (form of throwing) | Te-Waza | Uki-Otoshi Seoi-Nage Kata-Guruma |
| Nage-no-kata (form of throwing) | Koshi-Waza | Uki-Goshi Harai-Goshi Tsurikomi-goshi |
| Nage-no-kata (form of throwing) | Ashi-Waza | Okuri-Ashi-Harai Sasae-Tsurikomi-Ashi Ushi-Mata |
| Nage-no-kata (form of throwing) | Ma-sutemi-waza | Tomoe-nage Ura-nage Sumi-gaeshi |
| Nage-no-kata (form of throwing) | Yoko-sutemi-waza | Yoko-gake Yoko-guruma Uki-waza |
For those who want more katas, visit Kodokan Judo Institute website.
Hal Sharp made a great documentary about Classic Judo Katas