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Midtown MMA Houston
4.7 ★★★★★ 93 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Houston, Texas
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.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu & Thai kickboxing are the specialties of this all-ages martial arts academy.
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 (ages 7–13) — 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 midtown-mma-houston.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (281) 974-4499
Hours
| Monday | 1–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:30 AM–1 PM, 3–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 1–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 1–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM–1 PM, 3–7 PM |
| Saturday | 10:30 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The moment you step in, you’re welcomed into a vibrant, supportive culture that makes everyone—beginner or seasoned practitioner—feel right at home.”
“There is a positive, supportive attitude among coaches and students that’s great for adults and kids alike.”
“Because of the welcoming nature of the professors and upper belts, we have a great mix of belts, genders, ages and weekend warriors v competitors.”
Other martial arts here
“I've been training BJJ with Professors Martinez and Farius at Midtown MMA for a little under a year now and it has been one of the most fun experiences of my adult life.”
“They’re also affiliated with Six Blades and Judo and Wrestling friendly.”
“I've been training BJJ with Professors Martinez and Farius at Midtown MMA for a little under a year now and it has been one of the most fun experiences of my adult life.”
What members say
“Coach Chris is an excellent instructor who gives practical tips that make the moves useful right away.”
“The moment you step in, you’re welcomed into a vibrant, supportive culture that makes everyone—beginner or seasoned practitioner—feel right at home.”
“The moment you step in, you’re welcomed into a vibrant, supportive culture that makes everyone—beginner or seasoned practitioner—feel right at home.”
“The instruction here is precise, detailed, and methodical; something you should look for in a gym however difficult it may be to find.”
“Because of the welcoming nature of the professors and upper belts, we have a great mix of belts, genders, ages and weekend warriors v competitors.”
“From day one I got skill and fitness-appropriate training with a strong focus on developing technique in an efficient and safe way.”
From the reviews
This is my first time to Muay Thai, or any martial arts, and have been training here for just over a month. The gym and team are incredible. I felt welcomed from the very first class. I was initially nervous to start but everyone at the gym made me feel at ease.
This is a wonderful gym! I shopped around looking at different gyms before landing on Midtown MMA, and I could not have made a better choice. I chose them over some closer options because I felt so welcomed.
Thank you for the warm welcome and generosity Professor @chris_bjj_martinez ! 🙇♂️ You have an awesome facility and team! Love the community you built @midtown_mma_houston and @sixbladesbjjmidtown 🥋 @julieanndenestrosagarcia and I enjoyed the lesson you taught tonight Truly honored meeting you sir 🙇♂️❤️ Thank you for…
While I have not trained or been to this school I did have the pleasure of meeting the owner at Jujitsu World League in Houston over the weekend. My son competed against two of his students. My son is a talker and I watched as Professor Chris talked with him and engaged him like he was one of his students.
New to judo? Start at Midtown MMA Houston
Midtown MMA Houston 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 Midtown MMA Houston
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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