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*MODESTO JUDO CLUB*
4.8 ★★★★★ 29 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Modesto, California
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 (ages 5–17) — 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
- Competition a competition team for members who want to test themselves in shiai (tournaments)
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule modestojudoclub.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 209-277-5874
Hours
| Monday | 6–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 5–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 5–8 pm |
| Thursday | 5–8 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 9–10:30 am |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The coaches are helpful and take time to explain techniques so everyone can understand, especially beginners.”
“If you want to learn the loved and respected martial art of Judo and grappling in the Central Valley, this is the place to learn: for kids of all ages and adults.”
“Sensei Hunnel is a blackbelt and teaches the adult classes and also does No-gi/grabbling classes a couple days/wk.”
“Another plus, is they invite everyone who wants to compete in tournaments and provide great coaching support.”
“The Instructors here are Great and they prioritize proper form and technique rather then just throwing people around.”
“This Judo club is recommended for anyone who wants to learn self-defense, learn self-discipline, and make new friends!”
Other martial arts here
“This Judo club is recommended for anyone who wants to learn self-defense, learn self-discipline, and make new friends!”
What members say
“Another plus, is they invite everyone who wants to compete in tournaments and provide great coaching support.”
“The coaches are helpful and take time to explain techniques so everyone can understand, especially beginners.”
“The atmosphere is warm and inviting, laid-back vibe with friendly staff and friendly parents that also make you feel welcome.”
“I've watched many of his videos and it shows in his instructions; his simplified breakdowns are easy to follow and understand and his interactions with his students show he cares.”
“Every drop of sweat is one you earn.”
“Another plus, is they invite everyone who wants to compete in tournaments and provide great coaching support.”
From the reviews
This Judo/Wrestling club is the best by far. Very friendly community of people and fun tournaments to go too. This Judo club is recommended for anyone who wants to learn self-defense, learn self-discipline, and make new friends!
Excellent facility, great mats! The coach is very enthusiastic and loves his job! Every day he has a new lesson plan we'll thought out. Great exercise.
Great place to learn Judo. I've there since the begining. White belt to black belt. Great instructions. Family friendly environment.
Sensei Hunnell is an excellent instructor. His approach to teaching judo is practical, effective, and fun. This is the 3rd judo school I have trained in over the years and I couldn’t ask for a better instructor. Judo is more than just a martial art, it teaches you the value of hard work.
New to judo? Start at *MODESTO JUDO CLUB*
*MODESTO 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 *MODESTO 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.
