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Des Moines Judo & Sambo Academy
5 ★★★★★ 9 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Urbandale, Iowa
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 — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Open mat open-mat randori sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule dsmjudo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (515) 979-2286
Hours
| Monday | 5–6 AM, 5–6:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 5:15–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 5–6 AM, 5–6:30 PM |
| Thursday | 5:15–9 PM |
| Friday | 5–6 AM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“This was my first time attempting any martial arts.”
“Sensei Parkhill conducted a Judo seminar for our group (kids and adults) and was absolutely fantastic!”
“We were looking for our child to learn self defense and discipline.”
Other martial arts here
“We were looking for our child to learn self defense and discipline.”
What members say
“This was my first time attempting any martial arts.”
“I had no idea what to expect but everyone was very welcoming and made me feel comfortable to learn!”
“Everyone is focused on self improvement and is generally supportive and positive.”
From the reviews
Amazing with children!! Sensi Parkhill does an amazing job with the children's class. He is so involved and his structure is great. Highly recommend! We were looking for our child to learn self defense and discipline. We are so thankful for everything he has teached our child and continues to teach.
If you ever wanted to know what Judo is than this is the place. Great instruction for adults and children alike. The ultimate goal in Judo is to develop oneself to the maximum extent possible, always striving for perfection, so that you can contribute something of value to the world.
An excellent martial arts school devoted to the grappling art of Judo. Everyone is focused on self improvement and is generally supportive and positive. They Foster a cooperative learning environment.
Sensei Parkhill conducted a Judo seminar for our group (kids and adults) and was absolutely fantastic! He is very knowledgeable, and does a great job of communicating and teaching the material.
New to judo? Start at Des Moines Judo & Sambo Academy
Des Moines Judo & Sambo 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 Des Moines Judo & Sambo 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.
