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Middle Ground Martial Arts
5 ★★★★★ 18 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Harrisonburg, Virginia
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
- 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
- Private lessons private, one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- Open mat open-mat randori sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule middlegroundmartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–12 PM, 5–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–12 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–12 PM, 5–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–12 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–12 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30–11 AM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I had some background, but in my time at this gym I've also seen day-one beginners advance rapidly to competent and experienced levels.”
“Randy offers amazing personal training, also affordable, and has been a lifesaver for me and my health.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“Just started kickboxing, excellent place to learn with great instruction!”
“Great beginner-friendly workout options, especially for people interested in learning something new, like boxing fitness regimes.”
“Great beginner-friendly workout options, especially for people interested in learning something new, like boxing fitness regimes.”
“Dropped in for a conditioning class, very welcoming and overall great experience, and an amazing workout!”
“Randy offers amazing personal training, also affordable, and has been a lifesaver for me and my health.”
From the reviews
Middle Ground Martial Arts is a pretty awesome asset for Harrisonburg! I love coming here to train for Muay Thai, Kickboxing and overall conditioning. I have yet to take a class from Stephanie or Randy, but they are always there, working with clients either individually or in a group class and are very knowledgeable…
Middle Ground Martial Arts is an incredible place to train, with a positive and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're a beginner or more advanced, the gym has classes for all levels. Coach Jason and Alan are fantastic for striking, kickboxing, and Muay Thai, while Randy and Stephanie excel in Judo and grappling.
Coaches Jason, Alan, and Randy are all excellent, and the gym is always a friendly and welcoming environment to anybody while still offering serious and practical martial arts training.
This is a great, safe, and welcoming place for people who are wanting to try judo/kickboxing for the first time, who want to get back into the sport, and for those that already have previous experience! I was very scared to start fighting but Randy and all the members of the gym made it very comfortable and fun!
New to judo? Start at Middle Ground Martial Arts
Middle Ground Martial Arts 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 Middle Ground Martial Arts
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. 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.