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Black River Judo Club

5 ★★★★★ 7 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Sanford, North Carolina

Judo dojo Affiliated Kids & teens Competition

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

  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth judo classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Competition a competition team for members who want to test themselves in shiai (tournaments)
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule blackriverjudo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 984-837-1640

Hours

Monday 5–8 pm
Tuesday 6–8 pm
Wednesday 5–5:45 pm
Thursday 11:15 am–12:15 pm, 7–8 pm
Friday 6–7 am, 12:15–1:15 pm
Saturday 10 am–12 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 Black River Judo Club, confirmed in members' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🏆 Competition (Shiai)

“For casuals, competitors, or people that just want to stay active.”

All dojos that run competition (shiai) →

Other martial arts here

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

🥋 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

“And he incorporates some wrestling and jiu-jitsu if you want to be more well rounded.”

Other dojos that also teach brazilian jiu-jitsu →

🤸 Wrestling

“And he incorporates some wrestling and jiu-jitsu if you want to be more well rounded.”

Other dojos that also teach wrestling →

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 7 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 2 mentions

“Absolutely awesome, Sensei Preston is great.”

From the reviews

Great club... very knowledgable instructor with an organized curriculum. For casuals, competitors, or people that just want to stay active. Surprisingly relaxed environment with a nice student base. And he incorporates some wrestling and jiu-jitsu if you want to be more well rounded.

★★★★★ — Evan, Dec 2022

100% Legit Judo instruction. Sensei Preston was formally trained in Japan and makes sure you fully understand all the techniques. Family friendly and Professional.

★★★★★ — Ares, Jun 2023

Great instruction and a great environment! Sensei Preston is one of the highest quality instructors I have had the pleasure to train with.

★★★★★ — Kristina, Dec 2022

Absolutely awesome, Sensei Preston is great. Recommend for anyone, especially families.

★★★★★ — Ty, Jun 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 7 reviews →

Your first judo class at Black River Judo Club

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 Black River Judo Club

Sanford, NC

Get directions

More judo dojos near Sanford

2.1 miles away

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All judo dojos in Sanford, NC →

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.