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Kuma Judo
5 ★★★★★ 18 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Florence, Massachusetts
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
- Membership memberships run around $20/mo — many dojos also offer a discounted first month and family plans, so ask about new-member rates
- 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 kumajudo.org — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 413-586-9394
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 7:30–9:30 pm |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 6:45–9:30 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Would recommend this place to my grandma- extremely beginner friendly and also anyone of any level.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“The instructor is patient and knowledgeable, and there are multiple lifelong practitioners eager to help newcomers learn.”
“Would recommend this place to my grandma- extremely beginner friendly and also anyone of any level.”
“Awesome space, super inclusive and supportive with a very knowledgeable Sensei and black belts aiding in instruction.”
“The sensei takes great care to teach safe, effective technique and approaches each student as an individual.”
“The dojo is a non-profit, and therefore very affordable.”
From the reviews
Sensei Lally & his fellow teachers are longtime instructors for decades who are great with all ages and genders, working patiently to teach basics to beginners, while challenging experts to grow in "the gentle art" of Judo.
Good Judo club and very affordable. The instructor is patient and knowledgeable, and there are multiple lifelong practitioners eager to help newcomers learn.
A growing club with a great atmosphere that is welcoming to beginners with no judo experience as well as those who have done judo for years and want to practice more advanced principles and techniques.
Kuma Judo is an excellent club. It has fantastic instructors who are knowledgeable, supportive, and patient, an excellent training environment with crash pads for safe falls, and supportive mentorship from more advanced students that holistically enhances the learning process
New to judo? Start at Kuma Judo
Kuma 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 Kuma 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.
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