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Levitate Jiu Jitsu

5 ★★★★★ 91 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Amherst, Ohio

Beginners welcome Kids & teens Newaza 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 (ages 5) — 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
  • Open mat open-mat randori sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
  • Competition a competition team for members who want to test themselves in shiai (tournaments)
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule levitatejiujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (440) 508-6659

Hours

Monday 5–8 PM
Tuesday 5–8 PM
Wednesday 5–8 PM
Thursday 6–7 PM
Friday 6–7 PM
Saturday 10 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 Levitate Jiu Jitsu, confirmed in members' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌱 Beginners 2 mentions

“As for me, the classes are structured in a way that beginners and advanced students can gain something each class.”

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🧒 Kids Judo 13 mentions

“My daughter has learned so much in such a short time not just in skills, but in confidence and discipline as well.”

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🏆 Competition (Shiai) 2 mentions

“5 years now, have trained / dropped in at many other gyms in north east ohio and no where can compete or satisfy me like how Professor Rocco runs and teaches his class.”

All dojos that run competition (shiai) →

🤸 Throws (Nage-waza)

“We worked on a nice judo entry throw and take down, followed by rolling.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“Highly recommend for staying in shape learning self defense and amazing 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 Levitate Jiu Jitsu — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🥋 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 15 mentions

“I’ve been training at Levitate Jiu-Jitsu for about seven years, and it continues to be one of the best decisions I’ve made.”

Other dojos that also teach brazilian jiu-jitsu →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“Highly recommend for staying in shape learning self defense and amazing skills”

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 91 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 3 mentions

“The owner is very friendly and an exceptional instructor. My teammates are great and they’re always teaching me something new.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 8 mentions

“As for me, the classes are structured in a way that beginners and advanced students can gain something each class.”

🤝 respectful, no-ego dojo 27 mentions

“I highly recommend Levitate Jiu Jitsu to anyone looking for a supportive, high-quality martial arts experience!”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 2 mentions

“We worked on a nice judo entry throw and take down, followed by rolling.”

🔥 great workout & conditioning 2 mentions

“Great way to get in exercise, while learning self defense and jiujitsu skills.”

🧒 strong kids program 2 mentions

“My little nephew trains in the kids program here and I wanted to just come in and play around with him.”

From the reviews

I’ve been training at Levitate Jiu-Jitsu for about seven years, and it continues to be one of the best decisions I’ve made. The teaching style here is outstanding — technical, clear, and focused on helping every student improve regardless of experience level.

★★★★★ — Matt, Dec 2025

I was in town for work and texted Levitate about doing a drop-in. Professor Rocco got back to me immediately and said "come on up!" The facility is bright, very clean, with a nice size mat. The class had a wide variety of students with various levels of experience.

★★★★★ — Matt, Nov 2024

I started training here a few months ago and honestly, I loved it. I’ve tried other schools in Ohio and none of them treated me like this one. The owner is very friendly and an exceptional instructor. My teammates are great and they’re always teaching me something new.

★★★★★ — Daniel, Dec 2025

Been training at Levitate for about 2.5 years now, have trained / dropped in at many other gyms in north east ohio and no where can compete or satisfy me like how Professor Rocco runs and teaches his class. Clean environment with an amazing atmosphere, and has the best of both worlds for hobbyists and competitors.

★★★★★ — Bill, Dec 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 91 reviews →

New to judo? Start at Levitate Jiu Jitsu

Levitate Jiu Jitsu 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 Levitate Jiu Jitsu

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 Levitate Jiu Jitsu

1921 Cooper Foster Park Rd, Amherst, OH44001

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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.