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Judo Center of Lancaster

5 ★★★★★ 36 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Judo dojo Beginners welcome Kids & teens Newaza

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
  • Newaza newaza (groundwork) classes — judo's mat game of pins, holds, and controls, and a natural bridge to Brazilian jiu-jitsu
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule judolancaster.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 717-229-0419

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 6–9 pm
Wednesday Closed
Thursday 6–9 pm
Friday Closed
Saturday 9 am–12 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 Judo Center of Lancaster, confirmed in members' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌱 Beginners 5 mentions

“the 45 minute beginners class covers throws and some ground work along with drills and the advanced class is even better covering more range of throws and ground work.”

All dojos that run beginners →

🧒 Kids Judo 13 mentions

“Sensei Eric is a wonderful instructor for children and very patient with all ability levels .”

All dojos that run kids judo →

🤼 Newaza (Groundwork) 2 mentions

“the 45 minute beginners class covers throws and some ground work along with drills and the advanced class is even better covering more range of throws and ground work.”

All dojos that run newaza (groundwork) →

🤸 Throws (Nage-waza) 6 mentions

“the 45 minute beginners class covers throws and some ground work along with drills and the advanced class is even better covering more range of throws and ground work.”

All dojos that run throws (nage-waza) →

🛡️ Self-Defense 6 mentions

“:) :) Great place for people of any age interested in trying out judo/ jiu jitsu for basic self defense or sport competitions.”

All dojos that run self-defense →

Other martial arts here

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

🥋 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

“:) :) Great place for people of any age interested in trying out judo/ jiu jitsu for basic self defense or sport competitions.”

Other dojos that also teach brazilian jiu-jitsu →

🛡️ Self-Defense 6 mentions

“:) :) Great place for people of any age interested in trying out judo/ jiu jitsu for basic self defense or sport competitions.”

Other dojos that also teach self-defense →

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 36 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 2 mentions

“Eric is a great instructor and works with you, even if you have no martial arts experience prior to starting the class (like me).”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 14 mentions

“the 45 minute beginners class covers throws and some ground work along with drills and the advanced class is even better covering more range of throws and ground work.”

🤝 respectful, no-ego dojo 14 mentions

“Everyone is very friendly and the instructors keep everyone safe while allowing room for those desiring more resistance to cut loose a little.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 8 mentions

“the 45 minute beginners class covers throws and some ground work along with drills and the advanced class is even better covering more range of throws and ground work.”

🧒 strong kids program 3 mentions

“After only 4-5 weeks my child was more confident and to my EXTREME joy, he stood up to his bully and did so in a way I was proud of, with quiet strength and dignity.”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 8 mentions

“No bias here lol ) who is crazy smart, kind, creative, painfully shy and also passive (only because he needed to find just a little bit more confidence).”

From the reviews

Oh, where do I begin?? I will have to speak about Eric and the Judo Center of Lancaster from a mother’s perspective. I have an awesome kid (of course!No bias here lol ) who is crazy smart, kind, creative, painfully shy and also passive (only because he needed to find just a little bit more confidence).

★★★★★ — Barbara, Oct 2023

Everyone at this judo center are very friendly, I just finished a 42 day challenge here and loved it! I will definitely be coming here more! I find that it's a fun way to stay in shape and the instructors are great and will help you if there's something your not understanding, they also make sure that everyone stays…

★★★★★ — Jessica, Apr 2023

I just finished the *free* 42 Day Challenge. Why haven't you yet?? :) :) Great place for people of any age interested in trying out judo/ jiu jitsu for basic self defense or sport competitions.

★★★★★ — Erik, Jun 2023

Amazing Judo school. the 45 minute beginners class covers throws and some ground work along with drills and the advanced class is even better covering more range of throws and ground work.

★★★★★ — John, Jul 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 36 reviews →

New to judo? Start at Judo Center of Lancaster

Judo Center of Lancaster 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 Judo Center of Lancaster

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 Judo Center of Lancaster

1148 Elizabeth Ave, Lancaster, PA17601

Get directions

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All judo dojos in Lancaster, PA →

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.