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Cruvinel Brothers Academy
5 ★★★★★ 92 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Stratford, Connecticut
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
- Competition a competition team for members who want to test themselves in shiai (tournaments)
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule cruvinelbrothers.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 475-231-3227
Hours
| Monday | 4–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 6–7 am, 4–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 5–9 pm |
| Thursday | 6–7:30 am, 4–9 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 9 am–12:30 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Whether you're a beginner or an advanced practitioner, you'll find a supportive and inclusive community that pushes you to grow and improve.”
“All of the instructors are excellent with the kids: kind, patient, really helpful and informative.”
“Especially as a woman in Jiu Jitsu, you want a place you feel safe and comfortable.”
“The school and its instructors go above and beyond to create a safe, inclusive, fun and challenging environment where jiu jitsu hobbyists and competitors can both thrive.”
“Also a great place to get in shape and learn self defense and competitive martial arts.”
Other martial arts here
“The school and its instructors go above and beyond to create a safe, inclusive, fun and challenging environment where jiu jitsu hobbyists and competitors can both thrive.”
“Also a great place to get in shape and learn self defense and competitive martial arts.”
What members say
“Also cannot forget to mention our awesome coach, Marcos and the great, friendly people I’ve met and friends I’ve made.”
“The facility is top-notch, with a spacious training area, state-of-the-art equipment, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel like part of the family.”
“My husband and I love the family style atmosphere and seeing our kids grow in self discipline, confidence and the ability to face new challenges without fear.”
“You'll learn not only the techniques and strategies of Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, but also valuable life lessons about discipline, perseverance, and mental toughness.”
“Not only is my son learning and developing self confidence, he's having fun and making friends.”
“You'll learn not only the techniques and strategies of Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, but also valuable life lessons about discipline, perseverance, and mental toughness.”
From the reviews
I have been training in Muay Thai at the Cruvinel Brothers Academy for almost two years. I am so fortunate to have found this training facility. The staff are kind, welcoming and inclusive. They genuinely care about their students, kids and adults!
A 5 star place to train in southern Connecticut. Multiple high level black belt instructors who are patient and detailed. This is a friendly and helpful environment with a wide array of training partners of all sizes, age, skill level, and gender.
Great team, suitable for all ranks and fun! I started training BJJ at Cruvinel this year with almost no martial arts experience. Coaches and higher ranks took time to ensure I’m learning basic technique. The advanced technique you witness makes you work harder for your own progress.
My son absolutely loved this place when he went ... & honestly so did I! I truly would've given it 5 stars but the hours aren't the best in my personal opinion for the working parents who are working until 4:30/5 - with minimal help - like myself.
New to judo? Start at Cruvinel Brothers Academy
Cruvinel Brothers Academy 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.
Your first judo class at Cruvinel Brothers Academy
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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