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Carolina American Judo Association
5 ★★★★★ 28 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Matthews, North Carolina
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 — 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
- 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 judo-caja.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 704-458-1222
Hours
| Monday | 7–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 6–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 6–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 6–8:30 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 10 am–1:30 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I'm from Brazil and I spent my vacation in Charlotte, and my son needed a place to continue improving his judo skills.”
“Everyone was incredibly friendly and supportive, many would ref and coach at tournaments, all volunteer driven for the love of the art.”
“1 on 1 time with a black belt is common with a mix of traditional regimented Judo classes and more freelance classes.”
Other martial arts here
“In addition, they offer a great BJJ Program on mon, wed, fri, and Saturday!”
What members say
“Sensei Brian was also great to work with and Sensei Pat always made me feel welcome.”
“Insanely good Senseis for a small club, many high level guys would be teaching regularly or drop in for a guest session, that's how much Sensei Dana and Sensei Pat were respected.”
“Everyone was incredibly friendly and supportive, many would ref and coach at tournaments, all volunteer driven for the love of the art.”
“Insanely good Senseis for a small club, many high level guys would be teaching regularly or drop in for a guest session, that's how much Sensei Dana and Sensei Pat were respected.”
From the reviews
Spent my college years training here. Debbie, the volunteer office manager took great care of me. She’s my Judo mom. Sensei Brian was also great to work with and Sensei Pat always made me feel welcome. If you’re looking for a Judo club with a family feel, this is a too choice.
Sensei Jason is amazing. I recently found out he actually volunteers his time and you can see he truly loves what he does. He pays attention to the kids and help when he sees they need extra attention or help with something. They are no nonsense in their teaching and my son has benefited greatly from that.
The Judo club is built on decades of experience and character! You will find top shelf instruction here tues/thurs. In addition, they offer a great BJJ Program on mon, wed, fri, and Saturday! Give it a try…you will be welcomed here.
I trained here for a bit in post-grad about 20 years ago. Insanely good Senseis for a small club, many high level guys would be teaching regularly or drop in for a guest session, that's how much Sensei Dana and Sensei Pat were respected.
New to judo? Start at Carolina American Judo Association
Carolina American Judo Association 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 Carolina American Judo Association
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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