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3 Embers Grappling Academy
5 ★★★★★ 107 Google reviews · Judo dojo in McKinney, Texas
Affiliated dojo — reviews and the dojo's own info point to a recognized judo governing body or lineage (think USA Judo, USJA, USJF, Kodokan or Tenri). If affiliation matters to you, ask which body the dojo belongs to and under whom the head sensei earned their black belt.
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most dojos welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth judo classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Open mat open-mat randori sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Competition a competition team for members who want to test themselves in shiai (tournaments)
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule 3embersgrapplingacademy.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 214-973-8506
Hours
| Monday | 11 am–12:30 pm, 5–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 6–7 am, 5–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 6–7 am, 11 am–12:30 pm, 5–8 pm |
| Thursday | 6–7 am, 5–8 pm |
| Friday | 11 am–12:30 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | 10 am–1 pm |
The classes they run
“My daughter loves it here; great community, wonderful coaches, and they support We Defy…highly recommend if you want to try jiu jitsu!”
“The coaches for both the kids program and adult program are great as are the other students!”
“The professors not only instruct but roll with the students and compete regularly, which is a huge plus.”
“Great class taught by Mike Anderson, good rounds with all levels.”
Other martial arts here
“My daughter loves it here; great community, wonderful coaches, and they support We Defy…highly recommend if you want to try jiu jitsu!”
What members say
“Great instructors and great people in general.”
“It is a fun but serious environment, welcoming to anyone regardless of physical status/impediments or age (or lack thereof).”
“The whole gym has a true family-like atmosphere that is such a joy to be apart of and we look forward to many more years as part of the Combat Base Team as our kids grow.”
“The techniques they teach go beyond just grappling—they’re valuable life lessons that our daughter will carry with her for years to come.”
“My daughter loves it here; great community, wonderful coaches, and they support We Defy…highly recommend if you want to try jiu jitsu!”
“The professors not only instruct but roll with the students and compete regularly, which is a huge plus.”
From the reviews
It's an huge honor for me to train here. Outstanding place for adults and kids. Coaches Misty, Mike, and Justin have done a great job of creating a clean safe environment that feels like a family. Super chill, fun classes, I love it here.
Great gym with a great atmosphere. Newcomers are warmly welcomed by staff, instructors, and students. The gym is well laid out and classes are a good size consisting of all belt levels which made for a good variety of training partners.
I absolutely LOVE Combat Base/Shebaro Jiu Jitsu! My kids (ages 7 and 10) started in February and have been coming to class several nights a week. The coaches are PHENOMENAL at teaching technique, discipline, and confidence through positive encouragement.
My 10 year old son loves this place! Great instructors and great people in general. Our boy also does other sports but is small for his age. The discipline and self confidence he gets from attending the classes here is what keeps us coming back.
New to judo? Start at 3 Embers Grappling Academy
3 Embers Grappling Academy comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo — noted on their own site. If you've never stepped on a mat, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and sensei scale the intensity to you. Second, you'll start by learning to fall safely (ukemi) — reputable dojos build fundamentals (breakfalls, grips, a first throw and some groundwork) for weeks, live randori eases in gradually, and tapping early keeps everyone safe. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out, and remember to bow in and show respect (rei). Most dojos are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first judo class at 3 Embers Grappling Academy
Nervous about walking into a judo dojo for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good sensei expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, learning to fall safely (ukemi), then drilling a throw or two and some groundwork with a partner — not hard randori. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a judogi if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and a mouthguard if you have one — many dojos lend a loaner judogi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own judogi. Live randori eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the sensei. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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