Some questions for Judo practitioners?

Break falls are the first thing you’ll learn and I think it is one of the most important things to learn early on. First, obviously you are new and you’ll get thrown a lot, so break falls are very important. Second, if you can break fall well, then you won’t fear getting thrown. If you don’t fear getting thrown you’ll be more on the offensive and perform better.

Other than that you will go through what’s called uchikomi which is where you practice setting up throws on a stationary opponent. Let the advanced student go first and copy the technique they did when it’s your turn. This is good because people tends to practice the technique they value (and are in turn good at) in uchikomi, and you can watch them perform these techniques and learn from them.

You will probably sit out on the first class for randori(sparring), but from the second class you’ll be joining in. Take the first class to watch what techniques comes up often and what kind of set up worked well with what throw.

I think the requirements for belts are different from instructor to instructor. For our classes we don’t really have requirements to meet and there are no tests for the adult classes. We just practice and when the instructor feels that you have reached a certain level you are given your next belt. (kind of like bjj, which might be since our judo class used to share a place with bjj before) But don’t concern yourself with belts and just try to absorb everything. Better to be white belt who learns all of judo than a green belt who knows bare minimum on the requirements.

I don't use the term grading. You don't get a grade in judo. You can get a promotion. You can earn a new rank/belt.

But you have not been to class and are already asking about testing.

Forget about testing. Just try to learn as much as you can and enjoy yourself while doing that.