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North Jersey Judo

5 ★★★★★ 97 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Pompton Lakes, New Jersey

Judo dojo Free trial Affiliated Beginners welcome Kids & teens Competition

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 5–12) — 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 northjerseyjudo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 973-832-0775

Hours

Monday 5–9 pm
Tuesday 7–8 pm
Wednesday 5–9 pm
Thursday Closed
Friday 5–9 pm
Saturday 7:30 am–12 pm
Sunday Closed

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 North Jersey Judo, confirmed in members' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌱 Beginners 5 mentions

“Sensei Ramon is an excellent teacher and leader, an inspiring man who gives great classes and has a super attitude toward beginners as well as experienced practitioners.”

All dojos that run beginners →

🧒 Kids Judo 17 mentions

“He has an excellent way with adults and children and provides a challenging and safe place to learn the sport he is so dedicated to.”

All dojos that run kids judo →

🏆 Competition (Shiai) 6 mentions

“They hold the Garden State Judo Classic and North American Judo Championships are one of the best and largest tournaments in New Jersey.”

All dojos that run competition (shiai) →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“They're learning effective self-defense techniques, improving their physical fitness, and having a lot of fun in the process.”

All dojos that run self-defense →

Other martial arts here

Judo dojos are often multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at North Jersey Judo — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🤸 Wrestling

“I use to wrestle and tried different martial arts classes but none had the aura that north Jersey judo had.”

Other dojos that also teach wrestling →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“They're learning effective self-defense techniques, improving their physical fitness, and having a lot of fun in the process.”

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 97 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 3 mentions

“Ramon is a great instructor and has created an awesome community for anyone looking to be part of high level school.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 8 mentions

“Sensei Ramon is an excellent teacher and leader, an inspiring man who gives great classes and has a super attitude toward beginners as well as experienced practitioners.”

🤝 respectful, no-ego dojo 18 mentions

“He fosters a positive and encouraging learning environment where kids can develop not only their judo skills, but also important values like discipline, respect, and confidence.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 5 mentions

“If you are looking for a place where your kids can learn not only Judo techniques but also, discipline, respect and self esteem this is the place.”

🧒 strong kids program 2 mentions

“North Jersey Judo has been wonderful for my son! The classes build his confidence and he absolutely loves Sensei Ramon.”

🏆 active competition team 6 mentions

“They hold the Garden State Judo Classic and North American Judo Championships are one of the best and largest tournaments in New Jersey.”

From the reviews

“My son has been training at NJJ Judo for a few months and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. The coaches are not only highly skilled in judo but also incredibly patient and supportive with the kids. They teach discipline, respect, and confidence in a way that makes training both fun and motivating.

★★★★★ — Qusai, Aug 2025

North Jersey Judo is the epitome of Jersey Judo. They have a wonderful and technical program for kids and adults of all ages. On top of that, they seamlessly run the Garden State Judo Classic and the North American Judo Championships. I enjoy coming back to those tournaments every year!

★★★★★ — Melissa, Jun 2024

I highly recommend north jersey judo and wish I had started sooner! I use to wrestle and tried different martial arts classes but none had the aura that north Jersey judo had. The first time I walked inside I felt welcomed and encouraged to get in and get a hands on feel.

★★★★★ — Melvin, Jun 2021

Ramon is a top notch instructor with a deep passion for Judo and his students. It is a great place to learn and practise Judo/grappling. His facility is super clean and beautiful. It is a warm, friendly, and safe environment where he gives special attention to each individual while running a structured class.

★★★★★ — Jeff, Oct 2019

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 97 reviews →

New to judo? Start at North Jersey Judo

North Jersey Judo 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first judo class at North Jersey Judo

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 North Jersey Judo

246 Wanaque Ave, Pompton Lakes, NJ07442

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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.