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Coachella Valley Judo and BJJ

4.9 ★★★★★ 51 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Palm Desert, California

Judo dojo Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Newaza 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
  • Membership memberships run around $30/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
  • Women's classes dedicated women's judo classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
  • Newaza newaza (groundwork) classes — judo's mat game of pins, holds, and controls, and a natural bridge to Brazilian jiu-jitsu
  • 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 cvbjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (760) 880-1716

Hours

Monday 8:30 AM–8:30 PM
Tuesday 9 AM–9 PM
Wednesday 11 AM–8:30 PM
Thursday 9 AM–9 PM
Friday 9:30 AM–8:30 PM
Saturday 9 AM–1 PM
Sunday 10 AM–12 PM

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 Coachella Valley Judo and BJJ, confirmed in members' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌱 Beginners 2 mentions

“Whether you’re brand new to Jiu Jitsu or looking for a gym to call home, you won’t find a better place.”

All dojos that run beginners →

🧒 Kids Judo 3 mentions

“The whole Mantanona family and all coaches involved really give their all to all kids on and off the mats.”

All dojos that run kids judo →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“Excellent and welcoming environment for those interested in becoming competitive fighters, or for those who want to get a great workout and improve self defense.”

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 Coachella Valley Judo and BJJ — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🥋 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 10 mentions

“Whether you’re brand new to Jiu Jitsu or looking for a gym to call home, you won’t find a better place.”

Other dojos that also teach brazilian jiu-jitsu →

🤸 Wrestling 3 mentions

“While I live and train in Portland, I had a background in wrestling and was really interested in seeing what Tony and the rest of the program was all about.”

Other dojos that also teach wrestling →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“Excellent and welcoming environment for those interested in becoming competitive fighters, or for those who want to get a great workout and improve self defense.”

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 51 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 2 mentions

“Dan and Anthony are Amazing instructors, with a wealth of knowledge, great communication and teaching skills.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 10 mentions

“Excellent and welcoming environment for those interested in becoming competitive fighters, or for those who want to get a great workout and improve self defense.”

🤝 respectful, no-ego dojo 16 mentions

“Excellent and welcoming environment for those interested in becoming competitive fighters, or for those who want to get a great workout and improve self defense.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 2 mentions

“Classes were 90min with warmups for the first 30, technique for 30, then rolling for the last part of class.”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 2 mentions

“Teaching discipline, respect, morals, etc.”

From the reviews

Best environment that I’ve even been in my entire jujitsu career. All love. Coaches are great. My whole family are grateful to be here. ❤️

★★★★★ — Marichu, Mar 2025

This is the best gym I’ve ever been to on the road. I did 2 lunch classes, and there were about 10 black belts at each class in addition to all other levels and ages. It felt as close to Valko bjj , my home gym in Chicago, as any other gym I’ve been to.

★★★★★ — Tony, Feb 2021

I had the chance to be down in Palm Desert for a month and decided to try Coachella Valley BJJ out. While I live and train in Portland, I had a background in wrestling and was really interested in seeing what Tony and the rest of the program was all about.

★★★★★ — Damion, Mar 2022

Excellent and welcoming environment for those interested in becoming competitive fighters, or for those who want to get a great workout and improve self defense. Dan and Anthony are Amazing instructors, with a wealth of knowledge, great communication and teaching skills.

★★★★★ — Hazmer, Apr 2017

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 51 reviews →

New to judo? Start at Coachella Valley Judo and BJJ

Coachella Valley Judo and BJJ comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo, going by their listing and members’ reviews. 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first judo class at Coachella Valley Judo and BJJ

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 Coachella Valley Judo and BJJ

75150 Sheryl Ave, Palm Desert, CA92211

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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.