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Mad Science Judo and Jiu-Jitsu

5 ★★★★★ 30 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Clinton, Tennessee

Judo dojo Free trial Affiliated Beginners welcome Kids & teens Newaza Competition

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

  • 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
  • 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 madsciencejudoandjiujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 865-440-2210

Hours

Monday 9 am–9:15 pm
Tuesday 6 am–9:15 pm
Wednesday 6 am–9:15 pm
Thursday 6 am–9:15 pm
Friday 6 am–8:30 pm
Saturday 9 am–4 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 Mad Science Judo and Jiu-Jitsu, confirmed in members' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌱 Beginners 3 mentions

“The cultural is respectful and supportive of all levels of skill, age and gender.”

All dojos that run beginners →

🧒 Kids Judo 6 mentions

“Awesome programs in several martial arts disciplines for kids, women, and men.”

All dojos that run kids judo →

🏆 Competition (Shiai)

“Although Ted will support those that want to compete, he won't pressure you into doing it.”

All dojos that run competition (shiai) →

🛡️ Self-Defense 4 mentions

“The BJJ instruction is grounded solidly in the fundamentals of both self defense and competition depending on what you want to train on.”

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 Mad Science Judo and Jiu-Jitsu — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🥋 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 13 mentions

“Ted is a highly experienced and generous instructor focused on deep fundamentals -- old school angular jiu jitsu -- which is an approach that I respect and appreciate.”

Other dojos that also teach brazilian jiu-jitsu →

🛡️ Self-Defense 4 mentions

“The BJJ instruction is grounded solidly in the fundamentals of both self defense and competition depending on what you want to train on.”

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 30 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 10 mentions

“Ted ( the black belt instructor) treated me like a valued member of his academy and personally showed me some techniques I could improve while rolling with him.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 8 mentions

“If you are looking for high level self-defense and a welcoming atmosphere than Mad Science is the place to be!”

🤝 respectful, no-ego dojo 19 mentions

“Ted is a highly experienced and generous instructor focused on deep fundamentals -- old school angular jiu jitsu -- which is an approach that I respect and appreciate.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 5 mentions

“Ted is a highly experienced and generous instructor focused on deep fundamentals -- old school angular jiu jitsu -- which is an approach that I respect and appreciate.”

🏆 active competition team 2 mentions

“The BJJ instruction is grounded solidly in the fundamentals of both self defense and competition depending on what you want to train on.”

🧼 clean, well-kept mats 3 mentions

“Family friendly environment, clean, safe, and very technical.”

From the reviews

I knew Mad Science Judo and Jiu-jitsu had a good reputation, but was glad to experience it first hand! If you are looking for high level self-defense and a welcoming atmosphere than Mad Science is the place to be! Coach Chittenden and his academy is highly recommended!

★★★★★ — C, May 2021

I started at Mad Science as a new bjj white belt at age 46. Six years later and I'm still there, about 5 days a week. Ted, the head coach, is a great person and a top level instructor. He has cultivated a warm and friendly culture that inspires people to want to show up and learn.

★★★★★ — David, Dec 2024

I was looking for a place to train while I was on a business trip to Oak Ridge. I contacted coach Ted and he was responsive and welcoming. Had a great experience rolling at Mad Science! Coach Ted and his students were all good people and fun to train with. I'll be back the next time I find myself in the Oak Ridge area.

★★★★★ — Christopher, May 2019

Great training location conveniently located in the heart of the secret city. I trained there for two days while visiting family in Oakridge and could not be more impressed with the quality and depth of knowledge the instructor brings from his 30+ years of martial arts experience.

★★★★★ — Sean, Jan 2019

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 30 reviews →

New to judo? Start at Mad Science Judo and Jiu-Jitsu

Mad Science Judo and Jiu-Jitsu comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo — noted on their own site. 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first judo class at Mad Science Judo and 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 Mad Science Judo and Jiu-Jitsu

381 Market St, Clinton, TN37716

Get directions

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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.