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Hayastan MMA Academy

5 ★★★★★ 17 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Gardena, California

Judo dojo Free trial Affiliated Kids & teens Competition

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

  • 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
  • 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 hayastanacademy.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 213-674-4343

Hours

Monday 6:30–9:30 pm
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 6:30–9:30 pm
Thursday Closed
Friday 6:30–9:30 pm
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 Hayastan MMA Academy, confirmed in members' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Judo 2 mentions

“Fantastic and technical academy for kids and adults.”

All dojos that run kids judo →

🏆 Competition (Shiai)

“Strong successful competition team.”

All dojos that run competition (shiai) →

Other martial arts here

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

🥋 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 3 mentions

“I just started taking classes here as my first BJJ experience.”

Other dojos that also teach brazilian jiu-jitsu →

🤼 Sambo 3 mentions

“His Submission Grappling is Full of all of the Best Moves from all of the Best Styles Ju Do Ju Jut Su SAMBO Etc.”

Other dojos that also teach sambo →

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 17 Google reviews — in their own words.

🤝 respectful, no-ego dojo 3 mentions

“Amazomg family and indisputable lineage of champions.”

🧼 clean, well-kept mats 3 mentions

“Gym is clean and running by professionals crew!”

From the reviews

I just started taking classes here as my first BJJ experience. Jovany and his team are all great teachers and made my introductory class an amazing one. They truly treat everyone like family

★★★★★ — Blake, Jun 2018

Jovany Varela is a Great Life Long Martial Artist, Person, and Friend! His Submission Grappling is Full of all of the Best Moves from all of the Best Styles Ju Do Ju Jut Su SAMBO Etc.,

★★★★★ — Steve, Feb 2020

Siempre me atienden con Gran Hospitalidad. De los Mejores Sensei. Todos muy buenos en sus Disciplinas. Todos los servicios son muy buenos, y te hablan en Ingles y español.

★★★★★ — Daniel, May 2019

Sensei Jovany is a legend of our sport. He combines Judo, Sambo and BJJ on his teaching. His school is amazing and anyone in the area should check it out!

★★★★★ — Six, Jul 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 17 reviews →

Your first judo class at Hayastan MMA Academy

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.

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 Hayastan MMA Academy

behind computer store, 13428 Normandie Ave Rear building, Gardena, CA90249

Get directions

More judo dojos near Gardena

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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site

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Judo dojo Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons expert, high-level coachingwelcoming to beginnersrespectful, no-ego dojo

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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.