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Ohio Brasa/Deon Thompson Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 122 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Toledo, Ohio
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 — 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 ohiobrasajiujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 419-410-5483
Hours
| Monday | 6–7 am, 6–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 6–7 am, 6–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 6–7 am, 11 am–12 pm, 7–8 pm |
| Thursday | 7–8 pm |
| Friday | 6–7 am, 11 am–12 pm, 6–8 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | 12–1 pm |
The classes they run
“He has patience with everyone from the beginners to the advanced and helps them anyway he can.”
“I as a father want to be able to teach my children everything, but I let the experts do their job and I get to admire slightly from a distance.”
“I like that self-defense is a part of the curriculum because as a woman, it is very important to have those skills.”
“Professor Deon Thompson is a celebrity in the Midwest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu scene for his national gold-medal victories, his team’s successes, and his own tightly-run tournaments.”
“Look no further for high-quality martial arts suitable for competition, self-defense, or pure fitness in a clean facility.”
Other martial arts here
“Professor Deon Thompson is a celebrity in the Midwest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu scene for his national gold-medal victories, his team’s successes, and his own tightly-run tournaments.”
“This has translated outside of BJJ and have become serious about competition: academics, football, soccer, baseball and wrestling.”
“Look no further for high-quality martial arts suitable for competition, self-defense, or pure fitness in a clean facility.”
What members say
“Deon’s uniquely cerebral style of teaching combined with the welcoming culture he’s created makes this academy the best I’ve ever been to.”
“Deon’s uniquely cerebral style of teaching combined with the welcoming culture he’s created makes this academy the best I’ve ever been to.”
“Coach Deon is very skilled at teaching techniques in a way you or your child can understand.”
“I MUST state that I’m particularly impressed by his kids programming which seems unparalleled and is likely the absolute best in the region.”
“Professor Deon Thompson is a celebrity in the Midwest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu scene for his national gold-medal victories, his team’s successes, and his own tightly-run tournaments.”
“Look no further for high-quality martial arts suitable for competition, self-defense, or pure fitness in a clean facility.”
From the reviews
Ohio Brasa is an amazing school not only for adults but children as well. Coach Deon is very skilled at teaching techniques in a way you or your child can understand. Great environment that allows you to find your strengths. anwwork on your
It takes a village to raise a child is not just a saying, it’s absolutely true. Its a blessing to be able to find that village… that being said.. we Are blessed to have found DTBJJ, and enjoy the Coaches, the atmosphere and the teachings for our son… it humbles us to know how much he loves his new sport, his new…
Having trained a number of different places with multiple relocations, I can confidently say that Coach Thompson runs a fantastic program. Class sizes are right where you want them-- not too big to be lost, but large enough to have a good variety of training partners.
Coach Deon is honestly one of the nicest people. He has patience with everyone from the beginners to the advanced and helps them anyway he can. When you look for a gym, this is the place. Everyone is nice and you have people always looking out for you. You gain more than just friends, you gain family.
New to judo? Start at Ohio Brasa/Deon Thompson Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Ohio Brasa/Deon Thompson Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 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.
Your first judo class at Ohio Brasa/Deon Thompson Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
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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