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Denver Judo
4.8 ★★★★★ 44 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Denver, Colorado
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
- 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 5–12) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- 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 denverjudo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 303-621-6976
Hours
| Monday | 5:30–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 6–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 5:30–9 pm |
| Thursday | 6–9 pm |
| Friday | 6–8 pm |
| Saturday | 9:30–11:30 am |
| Sunday | 11 am–1 pm |
The classes they run
“With a wide range of classes for all levels, from beginners to elite competitors, there’s something for everyone.”
“I sent my daughter to train with my brother in law and sister there.”
“The atmosphere is warm, inviting, and fun, but the ranks are heavily stacked with seasoned and accomplished competitors who are more than willing to help out the lower belts.”
“The senseis and instructors are quite diverse (young to seasoned, from various parts of the US, Olympic medalists, retired military, law enforcement, engineers, etc).”
Other martial arts here
“For a low monthly price, you can attend unlimited Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes, something you will not find anywhere else in the Denver area.”
“I’m a jiu-jitsu and wrestling guy but always wanted to learn judo.”
What members say
“If you are looking to get in shape, defend yourself, have fun, compete if you like, learn from great instructors, make some cool connections and more you should check it out.”
“With a wide range of classes for all levels, from beginners to elite competitors, there’s something for everyone.”
“Very good environment for children, if you want to teach your kids discipline, respect, integrity, etc, while doing great physical exercises this is a place to go.”
“Alyssa and Howie are awesome, they go above and beyond to make you feel welcome, they are great communicating and teaching techniques.”
“It's one of the best workouts in the world and great for your mental health.”
“The atmosphere is warm, inviting, and fun, but the ranks are heavily stacked with seasoned and accomplished competitors who are more than willing to help out the lower belts.”
From the reviews
CHANGED MY LIFE I walked into this place barely knowing what judo was and a couple years later am loving it. It's the ultimate martial art and self improvement tool. The instructors are gracious and inviting, and have serious clout in the art. You need to work for belt ranks but it's accessible and rewarding.
Denver Judo is one of the most welcoming places I have ever visited. Here one can find top notch Judo with very detailed instruction. Moreover, the senseis here really care about the community, and you will learn a lot more than just Judo techniques.
Denver Judo is an amazing place to train! Their instructors and students have competed and do compete at the highest level of judo and go above and beyond for each other. By far the best group of Judoka I have ever trained with!
When I first started at Denver Judo, I could only attend one practice a week; I was so out of shape that it took almost a full week between practices to recover. But I stuck with it, and my experience has been life changing. The coaches and instructors are phenomenal.
New to judo? Start at Denver Judo
Denver 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.
Your first judo class at Denver 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.
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