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Midway Judo Club
5 ★★★★★ 16 Google reviews · Judo dojo in West St Paul, Minnesota
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 $50/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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule midwayjudo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 651-453-0403
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Although the learning curve can be steep, Midway does a fantastic job of easing beginners into the sport.”
“There are also quite a number of families with small children, if you're thinking of bringing yours along with you.”
“During the first couple of courses you become comfortable taking falls, and learning basic throws.”
What members say
“Everyone's been very welcoming, and there was none of the posturing you sometimes encounter when joining a club as a black belt.”
“During the first couple of courses you become comfortable taking falls, and learning basic throws.”
“The apparently storied club is taught by a few senior black belts and a 6th dan black belt, Cary Yamanaka, who is the head coach.”
From the reviews
I started at Midway Judo Club in January 2011 without any previous martial arts experience. Although the learning curve can be steep, Midway does a fantastic job of easing beginners into the sport. During the first couple of courses you become comfortable taking falls, and learning basic throws.
I found Midway Judo Club a few months ago, when I decided to start regularly doing judo again after about a seven-year hiatus. Everyone's been very welcoming, and there was none of the posturing you sometimes encounter when joining a club as a black belt.
I have a 6 and 8 year old who started Judo here. They absolutely love the sport and the teachers here are great! Patient and caring. . They put a emphasis on safety and technique. 👍👍
New to judo? Start at Midway Judo Club
Midway Judo Club 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 Midway Judo Club
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.
More judo dojos near West St Paul
Grappler Station
5 ★★★★★ 190 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
