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Japanese Martial Arts Center
5 ★★★★★ 52 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Ann Arbor, Michigan
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
- 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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule japanesemartialartscenter.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 734-720-0330
Hours
| Monday | 7:30–8 am, 12–1 pm, 5–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 5–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 7:30–8 am, 5–8 pm |
| Thursday | 12–1 pm, 5–8 pm |
| Friday | 7:30–8 am, 5–7:30 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–2 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“They have helped build my son’s confidence and physical strength, and he has also found a great group of new friends.”
“Most students are serious adults and the environment is really not bad at all for our teenager.”
“The adult classes are full of serious students always willing to help the others in the dojo get better.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“The staff are all very knowledgeable and my son’s sensei are some of the best teachers I have ever seen.”
“The instructors were not only kind but also remarkably patient, creating a welcoming environment.”
“The students are friendly and positive to work with, and everyone helps each other to learn and excel.”
“The instructors at JMAC not only can do the techniques taught with great expertise, but they know how to transfer that knowledge onto you with ease.”
“It's a very nice environment with clean mats and it looks like what you'd expect a modern dojo to look like.”
“Sensei Suino and his instructors manage to harmonize eastern formality and discipline with a western sensibility that stresses the fulfillment of individual potential.”
From the reviews
I have been in and around martial arts for many years...decades. JMAC is the best dojo one can imagine. The senseis are quite literally the best in the world. Training is challenging, yet safe and fun. The program is systematic, yet engaging and innovative.
My son wanted to learn Iaido this year. We did not know anything about it. His grandpa was a paratrooper and a green beret and encouraged him to learn martial arts and particularly jujutsu. JMAC is a true Japanese dojo. We did not know what good exercise one gets with Iaido. It' fantastic.
JMAC is an amazing place for training in martial arts. I have trained at JMAC since 2006. The people and environment encourage learning and development, both in the martial arts and at a personal level. The instructors are experts in their arts, and are very proficient at teaching.
This place is fantastic. My son is enrolled in the kids Judo and I haven’t seen a smile that big on him in a while. The staff are all very knowledgeable and my son’s sensei are some of the best teachers I have ever seen.
New to judo? Start at Japanese Martial Arts Center
Japanese Martial Arts Center 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 Japanese Martial Arts Center
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.