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American Judo Hapkido Institute

4.5 ★★★★★ 26 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania

Judo dojo Affiliated Beginners welcome Kids & teens

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

  • 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 (ages 3–17) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule judo-hapkido.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (724) 627-5111

Hours

Monday 4–9 PM
Tuesday 10 AM–9 PM
Wednesday 4–9 PM
Thursday 10 AM–9 PM
Friday Closed
Saturday 9 AM–1 PM
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, seminars, and open-mat times — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

Judo classes on the schedule at American Judo Hapkido Institute, confirmed in members' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Judo 5 mentions

“It truly is like a family there and it greatly improved my son's confidence.”

All dojos that run kids judo →

🛡️ Self-Defense 4 mentions

“The instruction is well layered, and the curriculum is fun and challenging to learn as practical self defense!”

All dojos that run self-defense →

Other martial arts here

Judo dojos are often multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at American Judo Hapkido Institute — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense 4 mentions

“The instruction is well layered, and the curriculum is fun and challenging to learn as practical self defense!”

Other dojos that also teach self-defense →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the dojo's own info — they show what members have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want BJJ, wrestling, or sambo alongside your judo, confirm the current schedule with the dojo.

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 26 Google reviews — in their own words.

🤝 respectful, no-ego dojo 12 mentions

“The American Judo-Hapkido Institute is the perfect fit for anyone seeking high-quality martial arts training in a welcoming environment.”

🧒 strong kids program 2 mentions

“It truly is like a family there and it greatly improved my son's confidence.”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 5 mentions

“From the moment you walk in, it’s clear that the those who manage the dojang prioritize the development of not just skill, but character, discipline, and respect.”

From the reviews

Love this place. The instructors are professional and make classes enjoyable and fun. Facility is immaculate. Great place to learn self defense, improve self confidence, self improvement. Awesome for all ages, families, and anyone wanting to learn.

★★★★★ — Elise, Oct 2020

These instructors have made a world of difference in my wild strong willed child! She almost tears me up with pride when she advances to a new belt. They pay special attention to problems you may be facing with your child! Such a perk!

★★★★★ — Angela, Aug 2018

I've been training there for 4 years now. It's such a positive place to be! I can always go to an instructor about a struggle I've been having, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else! Highly Recommend!

★★★★★ — Kloe, Oct 2018

I absolutely LOVE this place! The instructors are very kind and patient, just an all around positive environment!

★★★★★ — Brittany, Aug 2018

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 26 reviews →

New to judo? Start at American Judo Hapkido Institute

American Judo Hapkido Institute 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first judo class at American Judo Hapkido Institute

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.

Judo is a contact sport. Ease in, tap early and often, listen to your sensei, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find American Judo Hapkido Institute

1600 East High St, Waynesburg, PA15370

Get directions

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this dojo? Claim your listing — it's free.