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Grappler Station
5 ★★★★★ 190 Google reviews · Judo dojo in St Paul, Minnesota
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most dojos welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- 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 (ages 2–13) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Open mat open-mat randori sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule grapplerstation.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 612-356-2408
Hours
| Monday | 11:30 am–1:30 pm, 4–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 6–7 am, 4–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 11:30 am–1:30 pm, 4–9 pm |
| Thursday | 6–7 am, 4–9 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 8:30 am–1:30 pm |
| Sunday | 10 am–12 pm |
The classes they run
“3 classes in and our 4yr old was hooked ( so was Dad 🤣) We love that we have been welcomed by everyone we come across…parents, children and each Sensei.”
“The instructors let themselves be thrown by the minis last night, and that was definitely a highlight.”
Other martial arts here
“I've been training in martial arts for a long time and recently decided to add Judo and Jiu-Jitsu to my practice.”
What members say
“This is a very welcoming community, we love the expectations put in place in class and the follow through with respect and kindness when those expectations aren’t being met.”
“This is a very welcoming community, we love the expectations put in place in class and the follow through with respect and kindness when those expectations aren’t being met.”
“The instructors let themselves be thrown by the minis last night, and that was definitely a highlight.”
“The classes offer great exercise, physical training, body awareness, building teamwork skills and personal confidence.”
“Our daughter is learning confidence, hard work and respect, and I'm always impressed with Max's incorporation of these principles into classes.”
“This is a very welcoming community, we love the expectations put in place in class and the follow through with respect and kindness when those expectations aren’t being met.”
From the reviews
We absolutely love The Grappler Station! From the very beginning—previewing a session, through the 14-week trial, and now into our daughter’s first official week of classes—the experience has been nothing short of amazing.
I dropped in at Grappler Station while visiting MN and had an awesome experience. Everyone was incredibly welcoming and encouraging throughout the class. The energy was positive and motivating, and the instruction was detailed and practical.
My 8-year-old has been taking jiu-jitsu classes at Grappler Station, and we absolutely love it! The senseis are amazing—they really know how to connect with the kids and make learning fun. They teach important values like self-respect and respect for others, along with building confidence.
My 7 year old daughter has been at Grappler Station for almost a year, and our family loves it. Sensei Max knows every child's name, and he and the other senseis are great role models and teachers.
New to judo? Start at Grappler Station
Grappler Station 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 Grappler Station
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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