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Carmel Judo

5 ★★★★★ 28 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Indianapolis, Indiana

Judo dojo Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons Competition

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 (ages 6–12) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Women's classes dedicated women's judo classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
  • 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
  • Competition a competition team for members who want to test themselves in shiai (tournaments)
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule carmeljudo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 812-521-2499

Hours

Monday 6–7 am, 6–7:30 pm
Tuesday 5–8:30 pm
Wednesday 6–7 am, 6–8:30 pm
Thursday 6–8:30 pm
Friday 6–7 am, 6–8:30 pm
Saturday 10:30 am–3 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 Carmel Judo, confirmed in members' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌱 Beginners 7 mentions

“I made the right choice, as this club offers a wide range of skill levels, from beginner to advanced, as well as varying levels of intensity.”

All dojos that run beginners →

🧒 Kids Judo 5 mentions

“Since my son started judo, I decided to return to it after a 37-year break, and I chose Carmel Judo about a year ago.”

All dojos that run kids judo →

💪 Women's Judo

“The women’s program is my favorite part as it allows the women of the dojo to work together on our skills, then go show them off on the dudes 😂”

All dojos that run women's judo →

🏆 Competition (Shiai)

“This dojo is focused on intense training and getting you ready to compete in local competitions.”

All dojos that run competition (shiai) →

🤸 Throws (Nage-waza)

“Sensei Jordan does a great job at pushing his athletes and teaching the fundamentals necessary for good throwing techniques.”

All dojos that run throws (nage-waza) →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“Whether you are actively competing or learning a new hobby / self defense they have it all for you.”

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 Carmel Judo — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🥋 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

“They also offer BJJ with strong instruction.”

Other dojos that also teach brazilian jiu-jitsu →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“Whether you are actively competing or learning a new hobby / self defense they have it all for you.”

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 28 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 4 mentions

“Sensei Jordan does a great job at pushing his athletes and teaching the fundamentals necessary for good throwing techniques.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 13 mentions

“I made the right choice, as this club offers a wide range of skill levels, from beginner to advanced, as well as varying levels of intensity.”

🤝 respectful, no-ego dojo 16 mentions

“Techniques, conditioning, respect l, discipline and fun environment that pushes those starting out, as well as those who have been playing longer.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 7 mentions

“Techniques, conditioning, respect l, discipline and fun environment that pushes those starting out, as well as those who have been playing longer.”

🔥 great workout & conditioning 5 mentions

“I joined because I wanted to be part of a community while also improving my physical health in a way that went beyond just cardio or lifting weights.”

🏆 active competition team 7 mentions

“At 37, I never thought I would be confident enough to continue training, yet here I am ready for my first competition this month!”

From the reviews

This dojo is focused on intense training and getting you ready to compete in local competitions. Sensei Jordan is a great teacher who can help you achieve your fitness and judo goals regardless of experience level. He offers both morning and afternoon classes every day of the week.

★★★★★ — Thomas, Aug 2021

Carmel Judo has been so welcoming to my daughters and I. The dojo feels like a family and the coaches are dedicated to your growth in judo skills. At 37, I never thought I would be confident enough to continue training, yet here I am ready for my first competition this month!

★★★★★ — Lily, Nov 2025

I was traveling to Indianapolis for a short trip from New Jersey, searched for any local dojos to drop into. Carmel Judo was the perfect choice, Natasha responded quickly to my email and made my sessions enjoyable, and Sensei Jordan was a pleasure to meet.

★★★★★ — Alecsis, Aug 2024

The best Judo Community! Excellent Coaching and wonderful kids belonging to the judo team! It is truly a Judo Family.

★★★★★ — Ewelina, Nov 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 28 reviews →

New to judo? Start at Carmel Judo

Carmel Judo 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first judo class at Carmel Judo

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 Carmel Judo

9450 Haver Way, Indianapolis, IN46240

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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.