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Palmetto Jujitsu Academy
5 ★★★★★ 10 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Lexington, South Carolina
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
- 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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule palmettojujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (803) 791-0764
Hours
| Monday | 5–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 5–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 8–10 AM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Doesn't matter if you want it just for yourself as an adult or for your kids (4 years and up) give it a try and you will see that this will be your BEST decision ever.”
“Sensei Shaw also had a key role in showing me how to Sutemi ( our signature self sacrificing throw ).”
Other martial arts here
What members say
From the reviews
Real traditional Judo at its finest, if you truly want to learn and be challenged Prof Tom, Sensei Patrick and Sensei Mike are the Gold standard to learn from along with multiple high level black belts trained by them you will gain more then you even thought possible
Professor Ryan has an extensive knowledge with martial arts. People travel from all over the country to learn from him. He has a staff of 7 well trained high degree black belts that take pride in showing you a new world through the practice of Jujitsu and Judo.
The BEST dojo in the area with the greatest teachers. If you are looking to learn any martial arts you should try jujitsu and you should try it here. Doesn't matter if you want it just for yourself as an adult or for your kids (4 years and up) give it a try and you will see that this will be your BEST decision ever.
Professor Ryan and staff has great wisdom when it comes to healing, and if necessary hurting the body. I really admire the way him conduct business and teach martial arts, and the science of it. He is truly a man to learn from.
New to judo? Start at Palmetto Jujitsu Academy
Palmetto Jujitsu Academy 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 Palmetto Jujitsu Academy
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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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site