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Desert Judo

4.1 ★★★★☆ 8 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Glendale, Arizona

Judo dojo Kids & teens Competition

Plan your first class

  • Membership memberships run around $30/mo — many dojos also offer a discounted first month and family plans, so ask about new-member rates
  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth judo classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Competition a competition team for members who want to test themselves in shiai (tournaments)
  • Today see hours ·
  • Phone +1 602-834-9924

Hours

Monday 6–7:15 pm
Tuesday 6–7:15 pm
Wednesday 6–7:15 pm
Thursday 6–7:15 pm
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

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

🧒 Kids Judo 2 mentions

“I’m planning to take my kid there (there is a separate kids class too) but it’s all booked up several months ahead.”

All dojos that run kids judo →

🤸 Throws (Nage-waza)

“Learning how to fall is the greatest skill you can obtain and the throwing aspect will follow through.”

All dojos that run throws (nage-waza) →

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 8 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 2 mentions

“Each class is run by multiple black belt senseis who all are focused on how to help you hone your technique and skills.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 4 mentions

“Each class is run by multiple black belt senseis who all are focused on how to help you hone your technique and skills.”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 3 mentions

“Each class is run by multiple black belt senseis who all are focused on how to help you hone your technique and skills.”

From the reviews

I am incredibly grateful to have trained at Desert Judo for the past year and a half. This place is a true undiscovered gem and I feel obligated to get the word out as much as I can. Each class is run by multiple black belt senseis who all are focused on how to help you hone your technique and skills.

★★★★★ — Evan, Nov 2025

Very positive environment & wonderful people to train with. The teachers & students are always willing to help beginners improve their techniques and show them the ropes. Definitely a good place to start and get your toes wet.

★★★★★ — Jose, Jun 2023

I’ve been participating the class for almost two years now. Great instructors, friendly environment, amazing people to work out with. I’m planning to take my kid there (there is a separate kids class too) but it’s all booked up several months ahead.

★★★★★ — Mohammad, Sep 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 8 reviews →

Your first judo class at Desert 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.

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 Desert Judo

5600 W Union Hills Dr, Glendale, AZ85308

Get directions

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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.