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Gioe's School of Combat Arts
4.9 ★★★★★ 39 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Niceville, Florida
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
- 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 schoolofcombatarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 570-468-9701
Hours
| Monday | 11 am–12 pm, 5–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 11 am–12 pm, 5–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 4:30–9 pm |
| Thursday | 5 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 11 am–12 pm, 5–9 pm |
| Saturday | 9–11 am |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I wanted my child to start taking self-defense lessons, and I couldn't be happier than what we have experienced at Gioe's School of Combat Arts.”
“The most valuable thing I learned from professor Gioe was to block incoming attacks because as a woman “I am too pretty to get hit in the face!”
“Since then competed and placed in multiple tournaments, learned plenty of fighting styles such as jiu-jitsu, catch wrestling, judo, muay thai, and sambo.”
“I wanted my child to start taking self-defense lessons, and I couldn't be happier than what we have experienced at Gioe's School of Combat Arts.”
Other martial arts here
“Since then competed and placed in multiple tournaments, learned plenty of fighting styles such as jiu-jitsu, catch wrestling, judo, muay thai, and sambo.”
“Since then competed and placed in multiple tournaments, learned plenty of fighting styles such as jiu-jitsu, catch wrestling, judo, muay thai, and sambo.”
“Since then competed and placed in multiple tournaments, learned plenty of fighting styles such as jiu-jitsu, catch wrestling, judo, muay thai, and sambo.”
“I highly recommend you try out what his school offers, whether it be Muay Thai, BJJ, MMA, Modern Combatives or Pulahan Derobio Eskrima.”
“I highly recommend taking classes from him because you will learn invaluable self defense techniques that give you the confidence to use it in real world situations.”
What members say
“Honestly the best coach I've trained with.”
“Has a laid back and friendly vibe while simultaneously being very serious about the art and techniques.”
“Gioe does a great job explaining and demonstrating fighting and defense techniques, and is exceptionally patient with new learners and children.”
“What we were looking for is a place to help build my child's confidence and learn real life self-defense skills.”
“Since then competed and placed in multiple tournaments, learned plenty of fighting styles such as jiu-jitsu, catch wrestling, judo, muay thai, and sambo.”
“It’s well worth the investment of time and money!”
From the reviews
We visited a lot of the JJ gyms in the area but none seemed to be the right fit, until we found this one. The training is focused on self defense rather than tournament. Smaller class size lends to personal coaching. Our kids have excelled here and their confidence has grown.
Michael Gioe's School of Combat Art is a great place to train. I made many of my absolute best friends on the mats at the School of Combat Arts. This gym gives you much, much more than just an opportunity to learn a martial art. You can become a better person. A more humble, compassionate, and confident person.
Eight years ago, I took classes from Professor Gioe’s School of Combat Arts. I trained for a little over a year before moving out of state for better job opportunities. Although it wasn’t a long time to train, I learned the knowledge and techniques to protect myself in almost any situation.
Amazing time. Amazing training Amazing price. It's literally everything i wanted for me and my boys. And even my daughter feels comfortable training here. You instantly become part of the mma family and learn at your own pace. And the most friendly atmosphere I've ever felt.
Your first judo class at Gioe's School of Combat Arts
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.