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KD MMA Mixed Martial Arts Academy
5 ★★★★★ 38 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Glendale, California
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 — 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 kdmma.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (747) 231-5550
Hours
| Monday | 9 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The dojo's students are tough but friendly and accepting of all levels of new students.”
“The space is great for kids, with plenty of room to train comfortably.”
Other martial arts here
“If you need Boxing, Kickboxing, Wrestling, Judo, Grappling, or Jiu-Jitsu, this is the place for you!”
“If you need Boxing, Kickboxing, Wrestling, Judo, Grappling, or Jiu-Jitsu, this is the place for you!”
“Karen is a fantastic teacher, one of the best grapplers in the world, and an accomplished mixed martial arts fighter who has been on the biggest stage UFC/WEC.”
What members say
“A accomplished grappler and amazing instructor.”
“This gym is very friendly to new comers (like me) but they also have advanced classes and open mats on Saturdays.”
“Very friendly and respectful environment, really clean, professional coaches.”
“I really appreciate the strong focus on discipline, respect, and consistency.”
From the reviews
Karen is a fantastic teacher, one of the best grapplers in the world, and an accomplished mixed martial arts fighter who has been on the biggest stage UFC/WEC. Go to get in the best shape of your life, go to learn martial arts.
KDMMA is an MMA dojo founded by Karen Darabedyan, an elite fighter and grappler. His technical knowledge of submission holds is probably in the top 1 % in the world. The dojo's students are tough but friendly and accepting of all levels of new students. Highly recommended!
Just started taking classes here and I have to say I love this place. This gym is amazing. Brand new beautiful place to train. On top of that, Karen is one of the best teachers I have ever met. A accomplished grappler and amazing instructor. He is the real reason you should go here. He is patient and very knowledgable.
Wow! I can't believe it took me this long to come visit KDMMA. Karen is an absolute legendary fighter and the perfect coach. He is dedicated to giving all of his knowledge to you to be your best. Hard to find a Person/Coach like Karen.
New to judo? Start at KD MMA Mixed Martial Arts Academy
KD MMA Mixed Martial Arts Academy 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.
Your first judo class at KD MMA Mixed Martial Arts 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.
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