Wanna train Judo with a sparring partner in my block's gym. It's just practice training(controlled throws, bit of ground work) so i won't be needing much space. I'm looking for a cheap option. What mats should I buy and how much space should I really need?
The entire weight of your body is going to be hurtling toward the ground very quickly. Mats are not something to skimp on unless you want to be paying later to try and fix your body.
Interlocking puzzle mats like these would be my suggestion. http://www.championmats.com/id33.htm You can put them down and tape the seams. They won't be perfect And they won't absorb as much force as you're likely looking for but it's the cheapest option I know of.
those things don't work for grappling trust me, there is some stuff one the internet on how to make your own mats have a look around youtube and google for info on that.
I didn't mean those specifically but there are those style interlocking mats which I have seen used for judo.
I saw some that were like 2" thick and 4 sq feet for a little more $10 a piece it was a couple years ago but he might be able to find similar.
what the hell would they do with a crash mat ? fine if your just going to throw each other in the one spot over and over again but that doesn't make for a very good session, not much use for getting some movement or groundwork and tatami wouldn't be much better than those studio mats Sketco posted.
Since your brand new to judo, I would hold back on sparring throws for a while on cheap mats, your breakfalls wont be up to it. Stick to grip fighting and groundwork.
Dont get one inch mats, ive some at home for movement drills, And I wouldnt use them for anything else, 2 inches is a min for groundwork, 3 or 4 inches for throws.