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Driftless Academy: Boxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Womens' Jiujitsu, Judo and Wrestling
5 ★★★★★ 31 Google reviews · Judo dojo in La Crosse, Wisconsin
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
- 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 driftlessacademy.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (608) 881-6499
Hours
| Monday | 10:30 AM–1:30 PM, 4–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–1:30 PM, 4:30–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–1:30 PM, 4:30–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–1:30 PM, 4:30–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–1:30 PM, 4:30–8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–12 PM |
The classes they run
“My daughter has gained so much confidence through being part of jiu jitsu classes.”
“Great Group of coaches, Professionalism and the ability to take your ground game to the next level.”
Other martial arts here
“Starting jiu-jitsu has really changed my life and I would highly recommend anybody to come try it out and watch how it can change your life too!”
What members say
“Great instructors who really care about your development and want to help you grow!”
“I was down here for a week for work training and they were very friendly and welcoming when they let me drop in.”
“I was down here for a week for work training and they were very friendly and welcoming when they let me drop in.”
“My daughter has gained so much confidence through being part of jiu jitsu classes.”
“Starting jiu-jitsu has really changed my life and I would highly recommend anybody to come try it out and watch how it can change your life too!”
From the reviews
When I started at Ironworks Driftless Academy, I had so many questions! Am I too old? Am I fit enough? Can I even do this? I found out the answer to all of those (No, Yes, and Yes). The facilities are great, the instructors are awesome! The other students have all been welcoming and patient with my 'new guy' struggles.
Great instructors and coaching. A very professional environment that pushes you to improve. Brazilian jiu-jitsu provides a great workout while being dynamic and engaging.
We have only been members for a few months but it’s already changed my family’s life. My daughter has gained so much confidence through being part of jiu jitsu classes. And my husband has really made strides in his fitness since he has joined, in ways that he hasn’t been able to achieve since being in the military.
Great instructors who really care about your development and want to help you grow! It really makes going to class fun when you can tell the instructors care about you. Starting jiu-jitsu has really changed my life and I would highly recommend anybody to come try it out and watch how it can change your life too!
New to judo? Start at Driftless Academy: Boxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Womens' Jiujitsu, Judo and Wrestling
Driftless Academy: Boxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Womens' Jiujitsu, Judo and Wrestling 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 Driftless Academy: Boxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Womens' Jiujitsu, Judo and Wrestling
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.