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First Principles Judo
5 ★★★★★ 12 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Nixa, Missouri
Plan your first class
- Membership memberships run around $20/mo — many dojos also offer a discounted first month and family plans, so ask about new-member rates
- 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
- Women's classes dedicated women's judo classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- 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
- Open mat open-mat randori sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule firstprinciplesjudo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 417-720-9619
Hours
| Monday | 2–3 pm |
| Tuesday | 5–8 pm |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 5–8 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 9:30 am–12 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Highly recommend FPJ for anyone looking for martial arts classes, whether for kids or adults.”
What members say
“Great coaches, good environment, and the lessons are amazing.”
“My daughters and I have both benefited immensely since we started and the prices here are very reasonable, especially for family pricing.”
“It has been great for his focus and attention.”
From the reviews
Great place! Excellent and knowledgeable instructor. Very affordable. More than willing to work with your schedule. Highly recommend!
We have been taking our son to FPJ for over two years. It has been great for his focus and attention. He strives to earn the next belt, and the pride he shows is evident. This is great for his confidence and motivation. I highly recommend this to everyone I talk to.
Great dojo and here’s why: -safety is a priority -consistent warm up and break falls done every class period -Sensei Johnathan is observant and detail oriented -instructors communicate often how to be a good and safe training partner -throwing is very technical -many of the members training here have a background in a…
I absolutely love training at First Principle Judo! I have done martial arts training for years and this group is very welcoming, knowledgeable and will give you a very strong workout. I have been training there now for about 6 months now and can't say enough about my time here.
New to judo? Start at First Principles Judo
First Principles Judo 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 First Principles 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.