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Art of Takedowns - Judo & Grappling Academy
5 ★★★★★ 18 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Escondido, California
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
- Private lessons private, one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- Newaza newaza (groundwork) classes — judo's mat game of pins, holds, and controls, and a natural bridge to Brazilian jiu-jitsu
- Competition a competition team for members who want to test themselves in shiai (tournaments)
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule artoftakedowns.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 760-896-1159
Hours
| Monday | 4–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 10:15–11:30 am, 4–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 4–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 10:15–11:30 am, 4–8:30 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 9:30 am–2:30 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My 5 year old and 7 year old absolutely love the classes here, sensei Johnny has a patient and firm manner with the kids and gives great instruction.”
“If you train at AOT, you’ll be lightyears ahead of 95% of competitors on the feet and ultra competent on the ground.”
“Takedowns are an enormous, understudied part of jiu jitsu.”
Other martial arts here
“He’s an elite judoka, but has devoted his life to studying and training the main grappling arts together-judo, wrestling, and bjj.”
“He’s an elite judoka, but has devoted his life to studying and training the main grappling arts together-judo, wrestling, and bjj.”
What members say
“I was very apprehensive to do any kind of martial arts especially something as physical as judo, But he was very patient and gave me great instructions.”
“The community of adults and children at the school is welcoming and friendly, making it a great place to learn and grow in the sport of Judo.”
“also great with kids and teens.”
“If you train at AOT, you’ll be lightyears ahead of 95% of competitors on the feet and ultra competent on the ground.”
From the reviews
Sensei Johnny is steadily turning me into a Beast! I was very apprehensive to do any kind of martial arts especially something as physical as judo, But he was very patient and gave me great instructions. I think I may have found a new Home.
Been looking for a real Judo in the area and finally found it. Great Instructor and reasonably pricing.
I joined the AOT with my 9 y.o. son about a year ago and it has been a fantastic experience so far. Johnny Guerrero, the coach, is truly amazing. He is incredibly patient and has a gift for working with kids. Johnny teaches the authentic Japanese style of Judo and his passion for the sport is contagious.
If you want to learn real Judo from a real Sensei this is the place. Sensei Jhonny takes the time to teach you well and according to your age. Highly recommended!
New to judo? Start at Art of Takedowns - Judo & Grappling Academy
Art of Takedowns - Judo & 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 Art of Takedowns - Judo & 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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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site