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Kokushi Midwest Judo
5 ★★★★★ 35 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Champaign, Illinois
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 kokushimidwest.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (217) 693-7342
Hours
| Monday | 4–6 PM |
| Tuesday | 4–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 4–5 PM |
| Thursday | 4–9 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 11:30 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I am a beginner at 34 years old, and love every class I've been/go to.”
“When my daughter attended in first class, she was so nervous that couldn't step on the mat.”
“She enabled me to take part in tournaments.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“It's a welcoming environment where the sensei's give excellent instruction to improve your technique, while being safe and taking care of one another.”
“I’ve had the pleasure of being hosted by Grace and her club and I can’t say enough how welcoming and energetic this crew is!”
“I’ve had the pleasure of being hosted by Grace and her club and I can’t say enough how welcoming and energetic this crew is!”
“I was fortunate to learn from a seminar at kokushi Midwest from the king of tomoe nage , and I still remember the lesson and techniques almost 6/7 years later.”
“My son absolutely loved his time in class.”
“Grace is a competent trainer.”
From the reviews
When my daughter attended in first class, she was so nervous that couldn't step on the mat. But she wanted to try the next time. Because the other children of dojo looked so happy to play with falling, running, and crawling. Since then judo became my daughter's favorite activity.
I've been to two amazing clinics at Kokushi Midwest Judo. Grace is very welcoming and extremely knowledgeable. If I lived in the area this would be my dojo. Looking forward to more clinics and visits for sure!
This is an outstanding school. People of all ages are welcomed. The instructor is a 2nd degree black belt who is very friendly, knowledgeable, and caring. The school is a safe (wonderful mats) and clean environment.
I lived in Champaign for 6 weeks before Covid and had the honour of training at Kokushi Midwest judo. Sensei Grace took particular attention with making sure I was okay and comfortable, I was only an orange belt at the time. She checked out my Taio Otoshi at the time.
New to judo? Start at Kokushi Midwest Judo
Kokushi Midwest Judo 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 Kokushi Midwest Judo
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.