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Empire Academy of Combat Sports and Fitness
4.9 ★★★★★ 62 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Rochester, New York
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
- 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
- Competition a competition team for members who want to test themselves in shiai (tournaments)
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule teamempire.us — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 585-943-1652
Hours
| Monday | 9 am–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 5–7 pm |
| Saturday | 10:30 am–2:30 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“They have a wide variety of skill in the people that attend the gym, and from the beginners to the pros, everyone gets the training they need.”
“From noob to professional, kids to adults, whatever your goals may be, this gym has your wants and needs covered if you’re striving to improve yourself.”
“If you have ever wanted to train/compete in MMA or be as fit as an elite athlete, Empire Academy is for you.”
Other martial arts here
“I signed up for the unlimited membership ($250), which lets you attend as many classes as you want, and I took Muay Thai, jiu-jitsu fundamentals, and combat conditioning.”
“If anyone in the Rochester area has been thinking about stepping into an MMA gym, Empire is the one you wanna go to.”
What members say
“Amazing Martial Arts facility with friendly staff and world class instructors that are there to help you every step of the way!”
“They have a wide variety of skill in the people that attend the gym, and from the beginners to the pros, everyone gets the training they need.”
“You can’t beat top notch instruction from respectful coaches with talented training partners in a fun, well-maintained atmosphere.”
“I signed up for the unlimited membership ($250), which lets you attend as many classes as you want, and I took Muay Thai, jiu-jitsu fundamentals, and combat conditioning.”
“I signed up for the unlimited membership ($250), which lets you attend as many classes as you want, and I took Muay Thai, jiu-jitsu fundamentals, and combat conditioning.”
“It's advantageous for fighters to have a group of supports that constantly push and encourage during themselves a tough training session for their upcoming competition.”
From the reviews
I have been at Empire for close to four years now and I’m grateful everyday that I walked through the doors. If you’re looking to be a fighter, or just coming in to lose weight, or hit the gym. This is the place. You’ll walk away with more than just physical gains, you’ll walk away a better human.
I was so nervous to step foot into this place. I had no prior training other than a semester of Judo back in Community college. I’ve learned so much from the coaches and teammates. Empire Academy is an amazing place where people from all walks of life are welcomed and treated with utmost respect.
Have been to a few gyms in the past and 10th planet in Rochester is by far the best. They have a wide variety of skill in the people that attend the gym, and from the beginners to the pros, everyone gets the training they need. As a complete beginner, the process of slowly building my skill set has been amazing.
If you have ever wanted to train/compete in MMA or be as fit as an elite athlete, Empire Academy is for you. The coaches are all highly trained in a multitude of disciplines and will accommodate you if you're experienced or brand new. They have new members signing up every week and there is an amazing team feeling.
New to judo? Start at Empire Academy of Combat Sports and Fitness
Empire Academy of Combat Sports and Fitness 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 Empire Academy of Combat Sports and Fitness
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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