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El Idrissi Strength Dojo
5 ★★★★★ 53 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Martial arts school offering judo classes for adults and children in a family-friendly environment.
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 elidrissijudo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 215-313-6886
Hours
| Monday | 5–9:30 pm |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 5–9:30 pm |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | 4–9:30 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The academy’s atmosphere is both nurturing and empowering—where beginners are welcomed with open arms and seasoned practitioners are continually refined.”
“The dojo is clean and well laid out and there's a well-equipped strength studio upstairs that I can use when my kids are in class.”
“Alaa and Kristin El Idrissi run a very welcoming dojo and offer both kids and adults classes for beginners and advanced students.”
“Its reputation is not just built on medals and accolades, but on the transformation of lives—one student, one lesson, one throw at a time.”
“The sensei is highly knowledgeable and assistant senseis include an Olympian.”
“Its reputation is not just built on medals and accolades, but on the transformation of lives—one student, one lesson, one throw at a time.”
“Sensei Alaa knowledge is world level in term of competitive Judo, and his personal training skills are even better.”
“Come here if you want to see a huge improvement in your judo, want to learn self defense, or hoping to get in shape!”
Other martial arts here
“As a total newcomer, I took the women-only begginers judo class and a mixed BJJ class.”
“My standup and wrestling has drastically improved and continues to do so after meeting Alaa.”
“Come here if you want to see a huge improvement in your judo, want to learn self defense, or hoping to get in shape!”
What members say
“Alaa, the head coach, is a high level judo player and competes internationally but is also a dedicated coach.”
“The place really focuses on technique, safety, and camaraderie, making it a welcoming environment for everyone.”
“Every gym has a culture and it's clear from the way the students act that Sensei Alaa wants that culture to be family oriented and accepting.”
“I am new to martial arts and the way Sensei Alaa El Idrissi explains everything and breaks down the basics is great and appreciative.”
“The mats become sacred ground, where fear is shed, respect is learned, and confidence is forged through sweat and spirit.”
“Its reputation is not just built on medals and accolades, but on the transformation of lives—one student, one lesson, one throw at a time.”
From the reviews
As someone with a disability, Alla and Ayoub (the facilitators) are both exceptionally accommodating, not just to me but to other individuals with limitations as well. They are always ready to help us all at every stage of our journey. Additionally, I had no prior experience in any form of martial arts.
A Beacon of Discipline, Excellence, and Heart – El Idrissi Judo Academy In a world brimming with martial arts schools, El Idrissi Judo Academy rises like a polished gem—radiant, unyielding, and unmatched in its dedication to cultivating not only athletes, but champions of character.
Have been taking classes with Alaa and Christine for the last year or so. My kids are 5 and 7. A boy and a girl. I am a former competitive judoka myself, and occasionally join the adult group. I am a very picky parent too! The way Alaa and Christine work with kids in my opinion is excellent.
A great judo dojo for both beginners and black belts. Philly is so lucky to have this club in their backyard. Alaa and Kristin El Idrissi run a very welcoming dojo and offer both kids and adults classes for beginners and advanced students.
New to judo? Start at El Idrissi Strength Dojo
El Idrissi Strength Dojo 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 El Idrissi Strength Dojo
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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