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Panthers Judo & self defense

5 ★★★★★ 35 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Whitney, Texas

Judo dojo Affiliated Kids & teens Private lessons 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.

Veteran coach's venture specializing in group classes, private lessons and self-defense training.

Plan your first class

  • 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
  • Private lessons private, one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
  • Competition a competition team for members who want to test themselves in shiai (tournaments)
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule panthersjudo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (817) 475-5721

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday Closed
Thursday Closed
Friday 6–7 PM
Saturday 9–11 AM
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 Panthers Judo & self defense, confirmed in members' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Judo 9 mentions

“He has a great attitude and makes class enjoyable for people all ages; whether it be kids, teenagers or adults.”

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🏆 Competition (Shiai) 3 mentions

“Not only is he a great instructor, but also a great student and competitor always striving to be better everyday.”

All dojos that run competition (shiai) →

🤸 Throws (Nage-waza)

“He guided me in my return and offered solid advice to improve my throws and techniques.”

All dojos that run throws (nage-waza) →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“I highly recommend anyone interested in learning Judo or self-defense work with him!”

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 Panthers Judo & self defense — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“I highly recommend anyone interested in learning Judo or self-defense work with him!”

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 35 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 6 mentions

“I’ve been working with Ralph for years, not only can I say he’s one of the best coaches I’ve had but he’s also one of the nicest most motivating man I’ve met in judo.”

🤝 respectful, no-ego dojo 5 mentions

“He instilled in me not only the values of discipline, respect, and hard work, but also a love for judo that I've carried with me my whole life.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 3 mentions

“Your ability to break down complex techniques into understandable steps has greatly enhanced my learning.”

🏆 active competition team 6 mentions

“He is thorough and has always concentrated on the specific needs of his students to make them successful in competition and in life skills.”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 7 mentions

“He instilled in me not only the values of discipline, respect, and hard work, but also a love for judo that I've carried with me my whole life.”

From the reviews

Sensei Ralph is an excellent example of what Judo is about. Not only is he a great instructor, but also a great student and competitor always striving to be better everyday. I’ve trained with him for several years and have experienced that he always does his best to make us all better as well as himself.

★★★★★ — Enrique, Feb 2025

Coach,Ralph Lahound I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for the incredible coaching I’ve received. From the very first class, your dedication to both the art of Judo and your students has been evident.

★★★★★ — Manuel, Jan 2025

Ralph was my sensei over 25 years ago and I cannot recommend him highly enough. He coaches with compassion and respect, for every age and skill level, and truly cares about his students and their families.

★★★★★ — Brett, Feb 2025

Ralph Sensei is a very skilled instructor. He helped me get back into judo after taking 18 years off . He guided me in my return and offered solid advice to improve my throws and techniques. He is patient and encouraging .

★★★★★ — Mario, Jan 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 35 reviews →

Your first judo class at Panthers Judo & self defense

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 Panthers Judo & self defense

118 Pinto Ridge Rd, Whitney, TX76692

Get directions Instagram

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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.