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Gentle Ways Judo

5 ★★★★★ 5 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Bismarck, North Dakota

Judo dojo

Plan your first class

  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule facebook.com — book classes and see the live schedule

Hours

Monday 6:30–9 PM
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday Closed
Thursday 8:30–10 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 Gentle Ways Judo, confirmed in members' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🤸 Throws (Nage-waza) 2 mentions

All dojos that run throws (nage-waza) →

Other martial arts here

Judo dojos are often multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at Gentle Ways Judo — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the dojo's own info — they show what members have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want BJJ, wrestling, or sambo alongside your judo, confirm the current schedule with the dojo.

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 5 Google reviews — in their own words.

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 3 mentions

From the reviews

I am a total girl I wanted to get back into martial arts after being out of it for like 8 years! the instructor was absolutely nice, patient and very professional never laughing at me or getting agitated.

★★★★★ — Samantha, Jul 2013

I was a Judo student of Sensei Vern and Gentle Ways in Fargo back in the mid to late 1980's while I was at NDSU. The lessons learned over 30 years ago, have saved my life at least a half a dozen times. Not by being able fight off an attacker but by knowing how to land when I fell.

★★★★★ — Paul, Dec 2020

Great group, extremely helpful instructors, and an affordable monthly price! Highly recommend checking it out!

★★★★★ — Matt, Oct 2023

Knowledgeable instructors. And just all around great people. Very welcoming environment.

★★★★★ — Evan, Mar 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 5 reviews →

Your first judo class at Gentle Ways 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. 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 Gentle Ways Judo

525 Memorial Hwy, Bismarck, ND58504

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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.