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Orange County Judo Training Center
4.8 ★★★★★ 32 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Garden Grove, 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 — 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 ocjudo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 657-296-6094
Hours
| Monday | 5 pm–12 am |
| Tuesday | 12–9:30 am, 11 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 5–9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 11 am–9:30 pm |
| Friday | 5–9:30 pm |
| Saturday | 10–11:30 am |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“As soon I set my foot on the mat for the first time.”
“The children's program is also very good and teaches great discipline and technique (always good to learn how to fall).”
“The adult classes are phenomenal, there's always someone there to help you, you won't go a single class without a partner.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“Sensei Juan is great and the kids there are competitive but very nice and kind to each other.”
“Sensei Juan & the entire class was very welcoming for my first visit.”
“It's like a friendly fun family atmosphere comitted to personal growth and development, never any judgment or any negativity at all.”
“The children's program is also very good and teaches great discipline and technique (always good to learn how to fall).”
“My daughter attends here and loves it.”
“As an adult practioner it is nice to go to a place where competition is encouraged but not the sole purpose of practice.”
From the reviews
Let me begin with, that I lost more weight in two weeks than what could my on my own in two months. Sensei Juan Montenegro is known throughout the Judo community not only for being one of the best, but also for being one of the oldest in the game as well.
I've trained a lot of places both judo and bjj, I happened to find OC Judo while I was stationed in Camp Pendleton, so not wanting to drive to my own club in LA every time I had off, I googled judo schools near me and I went in and absolutely enjoyed every minute I spent there trained, Sensei Juan is very technical…
Best place for Judo in Orange County. Anyone can come here. It’s for kids, adults or anyone willing to learn. Great energy and atmosphere.
As soon I set my foot on the mat for the first time.. I feel like "This is it and I am gona stay with it!" This place is neat, nice teacher, affordable price, and the commitment of the teacher in teaching the student. WELL DONE! And keep it up! Highly recommended Judo Dojo in Orange County. -Quy Dinh
New to judo? Start at Orange County Judo Training Center
Orange County Judo Training Center 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 Orange County Judo Training Center
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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