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Jason Morris Judo Center Beaufort

5 ★★★★★ 12 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Beaufort, South Carolina

Judo dojo Beginners welcome Kids & teens Competition

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
  • Competition a competition team for members who want to test themselves in shiai (tournaments)
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule facebook.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (843) 252-3559

Hours

Monday 6–8 PM
Tuesday 5–8 PM
Wednesday 6–8 PM
Thursday 5–8 PM
Friday 6–8 PM
Saturday 11 AM–1 PM
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 Jason Morris Judo Center Beaufort, confirmed in members' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌱 Beginners 2 mentions

“He can break down every single throw into simple, easy-to-understand movements, which makes learning feel natural whether you’re a beginner or more advanced.”

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🏆 Competition (Shiai) 7 mentions

“He also keeps training exciting by bringing variety to each session and organizing friendly tournaments that build confidence, skill, and camaraderie among students.”

All dojos that run competition (shiai) →

🥇 Olympic Judo

“Frequently on the go participating in national and international competitions, sweeping up medals left right and center.”

All dojos that run olympic judo →

🤸 Throws (Nage-waza) 2 mentions

“Absolutely outstanding judo gym.”

All dojos that run throws (nage-waza) →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“Since joining, I’ve gained confidence, fitness, and practical skills.”

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Other martial arts here

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

🥋 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

“They specialize in both Judo and BJJ.”

Other dojos that also teach brazilian jiu-jitsu →

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 12 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 2 mentions

“Sensei Billy Gavigan is an outstanding teacher with the rare combination of being both a gifted coach and a world-class competitor at the international level.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 5 mentions

“He can break down every single throw into simple, easy-to-understand movements, which makes learning feel natural whether you’re a beginner or more advanced.”

🤝 respectful, no-ego dojo 8 mentions

“He also keeps training exciting by bringing variety to each session and organizing friendly tournaments that build confidence, skill, and camaraderie among students.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 6 mentions

“He can break down every single throw into simple, easy-to-understand movements, which makes learning feel natural whether you’re a beginner or more advanced.”

🏆 active competition team 9 mentions

“He also keeps training exciting by bringing variety to each session and organizing friendly tournaments that build confidence, skill, and camaraderie among students.”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 4 mentions

“He also keeps training exciting by bringing variety to each session and organizing friendly tournaments that build confidence, skill, and camaraderie among students.”

From the reviews

Best place to train in the Beaufort area! Phenomenal coaching and staff who deliver results to their students. Competition or recreational training, It’s for everyone! highly recommend to every adult and children to come train!

★★★★★ — Connor, Apr 2024

As a fellow sensei and owner of Griffin Judo, I can confidently say that Jason Morris Judo Center in Beaufort is a top-notch place for anyone to learn and grow in judo — whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned competitor.

★★★★★ — Atelier_Jmc, Aug 2025

Billy is a phenomenal coach He is an expert in the sport of judo and he has a life long experience in it. He is able to bring his expertise in judo to the training in many different styles. Furthermore, he gives his students his personal touch towards their success and accomplishments.

★★★★★ — Meet, Feb 2026

Outstanding coaching along with a great group of judokas! Whether you’re a competitor or just looking to get in shape, this is an amazing gym. There’s no other gym in the low country that’s this caliber, especially their high-level coaching. Highly recommend to anyone looking to improve their grappling.

★★★★★ — Eric, May 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 12 reviews →

New to judo? Start at Jason Morris Judo Center Beaufort

Jason Morris Judo Center Beaufort comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo, going by their listing and members’ reviews. 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first judo class at Jason Morris Judo Center Beaufort

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 Jason Morris Judo Center Beaufort

20 Maxine Ln Suite A, Beaufort, SC29906

Get directions

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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.