HomeMissouriValley Park › Next Level - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, & Boxing

Next Level - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, & Boxing

5 ★★★★★ 30 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Valley Park, Missouri

Judo dojo Beginners welcome Kids & teens Competition New

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
  • Women's classes dedicated women's judo classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
  • Competition a competition team for members who want to test themselves in shiai (tournaments)
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule nextlevelstl.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 314-866-4004

Hours

Monday 6 am–8 pm
Tuesday 6 am–8 pm
Wednesday 6 am–8 pm
Thursday 6 am–8 pm
Friday 6 am–8 pm
Saturday 9 am–8 pm
Sunday 10 am–3 pm

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 Next Level - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, & Boxing, confirmed in members' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌱 Beginners 4 mentions

“A safe yet challenging environment for people of all levels, from beginner to expert.”

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🏆 Competition (Shiai) 2 mentions

“The gym's got a great group of people who're all positive and work together to make each other better, whether they're there training to compete or just as a hobby.”

All dojos that run competition (shiai) →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“Get them in to learn self defense, gain confidence, self discipline, make new friends and have fun all at the same time.”

All dojos that run self-defense →

🧒 Kids Judo

“The next level team works well with kids too.”

All dojos that run kids judo →

Other martial arts here

Judo dojos are often multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at Next Level - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, & Boxing — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🥋 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 14 mentions

“Too many good things to say about Next Level Jiu-Jitsu, awesome coaches and great group of people to train with everyone is super friendly and enjoys helping others succeed .”

Other dojos that also teach brazilian jiu-jitsu →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“Get them in to learn self defense, gain confidence, self discipline, make new friends and have fun all at the same time.”

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 5 mentions

“I’ve trained with Dave and can confidently say he’s a skilled and knowledgeable instructor.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 7 mentions

“I dropped in from out of state to get some rolls and Dave and Scott were extremely welcoming.”

🤝 respectful, no-ego dojo 16 mentions

“Too many good things to say about Next Level Jiu-Jitsu, awesome coaches and great group of people to train with everyone is super friendly and enjoys helping others succeed .”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 6 mentions

“He explains things thoroughly in an easy-to-understand way, and he's always willing to answer any questions and provide feedback to refine technique.”

🔥 great workout & conditioning 3 mentions

“Such a fun and safe environment to learn new skills and test yourself, getting a great workout has never been so much fun .”

🏆 active competition team 2 mentions

“The gym's got a great group of people who're all positive and work together to make each other better, whether they're there training to compete or just as a hobby.”

From the reviews

Wouldn’t want to train anywhere else. Dave has been my head coach for almost 2 years now and I couldn’t imagine it any other way. The people at Next Level are the kinds of friends and staff you want surrounding you. High level instruction, great customer service, and a clean facility.

★★★★★ — Jordan, Feb 2026

Professor Dave does a great job making sure everyone understands the techniques and everyone is challenged. whether someone is new to Jiu-jitsu or has been doing it a long time everyone learns something new everyday.

★★★★★ — Austin, Feb 2026

I've been training with Dave for over a year and it's been an awesome time. He explains things thoroughly in an easy-to-understand way, and he's always willing to answer any questions and provide feedback to refine technique.

★★★★★ — Alex, May 2026

I’ve been training with Dave over a decade, and I can honestly say he is one of a kind. His knowledge of jiu-jitsu is deep and he has a true gift for breaking down technique in a way that works for every level.

★★★★★ — D, Mar 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 30 reviews →

New to judo? Start at Next Level - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, & Boxing

Next Level - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, & Boxing 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first judo class at Next Level - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, & Boxing

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 Next Level - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, & Boxing

6 Meramec Valley Plaza, Valley Park, MO63088

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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.