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Cary Judo Club
5 ★★★★★ 24 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Raleigh, North Carolina
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
- Membership memberships run around $15/mo — many dojos also offer a discounted first month and family plans, so ask about new-member rates
- 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
- Competition a competition team for members who want to test themselves in shiai (tournaments)
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule caryjudoclub.com — book classes and see the live schedule
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 5–7 pm |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 5–7 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 9–11 am |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The instructors are incredibly dedicated, knowledgeable, and truly care about each student’s development, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced judoka.”
“It’s a very welcoming environment for kids and adults of all ages, sizes, and experience levels.”
“Big kids class and good adults class with knowledgeable instructors.”
“Whether you're looking to improve your fitness, learn self-defense, or compete, Cary Judo offers top-notch training and a strong sense of community.”
“Whether you're looking to improve your fitness, learn self-defense, or compete, Cary Judo offers top-notch training and a strong sense of community.”
Other martial arts here
“Whether you're looking to improve your fitness, learn self-defense, or compete, Cary Judo offers top-notch training and a strong sense of community.”
What members say
“Fantastic judo club with knowledgeable instructors and a supportive, welcoming environment.”
“The instructors are incredibly dedicated, knowledgeable, and truly care about each student’s development, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced judoka.”
“The training environment is welcoming, disciplined, and supportive, with a strong emphasis on proper technique, safety, and respect.”
“The training environment is welcoming, disciplined, and supportive, with a strong emphasis on proper technique, safety, and respect.”
“Thanks to their approach, our daughter has become more confident, disciplined, and self-assured, both on and off the mat.”
“Whether you're looking to improve your fitness, learn self-defense, or compete, Cary Judo offers top-notch training and a strong sense of community.”
From the reviews
Our daughter has been training at Cary Judo Club for several years, and she absolutely loves it. The coaches are highly professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely supportive. Thanks to their approach, our daughter has become more confident, disciplined, and self-assured, both on and off the mat.
Cary Judo is a great place for kids with a welcoming and positive environment. The pricing is unbeatable, and the instructors truly care about the kids while teaching real judo. Sensei Chris and Sensei Dale are amazing,patient, knowledgeable, and great with children.
I’ve been training at Cary Judo Club and absolutely love it. The instruction is top-notch—clear, technical, and focused on real improvement, whether you’re brand new to judo or have years of experience. The coaches are knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely invested in helping each student grow.
Cary Judo is an exceptional place for both beginners and experienced martial artists. The instructors are highly skilled, patient, and dedicated to helping each student reach their full potential. The atmosphere is welcoming and supportive, creating a positive environment for learning and growth.
New to judo? Start at Cary Judo Club
Cary Judo Club 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 Cary 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. 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