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Philadelphia Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 119 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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
- 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
- Newaza newaza (groundwork) classes — judo's mat game of pins, holds, and controls, and a natural bridge to Brazilian jiu-jitsu
- Today see hours ·
- Phone (215) 587-0007
Hours
| Monday | 6:30–9:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:30–9:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:30–9:30 PM |
| Thursday | 6:30–9:30 PM |
| Friday | 6:30–9:30 PM |
| Saturday | 5:30–7:30 PM |
| Sunday | 12–3 PM |
The classes they run
“Aside from this, the other experienced practitioners in his gym help beginners like myself learn constantly.”
“) in addition to ground fighting and striking.”
“I attended another two seminars - one in the gi and one out of the gi as well as a private lesson.”
“In those years I also took part in his lessons of MMA and self-defence and that was a great experience.”
Other martial arts here
“I have been attending jiu-jitsu classes at Philadelphia Jiu-Jitsu for roughly the past 5 months and it has been the healthiest and focused I have felt in my life.”
“The school is very clean and organize with a large mat so their is plenty of space for everyone to drill moves and wrestle during class hours!”
“There is judo, wrestling, aikido, knife and stick fighting, and practical self-defense techniques.”
“I met Damon During the Summer of 2011 in Rimini Italy, where he was teaching MMA seminars at an international university course I was taking.”
“In those years I also took part in his lessons of MMA and self-defence and that was a great experience.”
What members say
“I am sure Damon is an excellent instructor and much more he is a good friend, great quality of teaching allows him to transmit peaceful feeling despite the field of his teaching.”
“Aside from this, the other experienced practitioners in his gym help beginners like myself learn constantly.”
“The school is very clean and the atmosphere is very friendly with student of all levels participating in the classes.”
“He's got a great way of relaying concepts in an easy to understand manner and pick out small details no matter the level of student.”
“I’ve gained so much in the short few months I’ve been training here and I would highly recommend the school to anyone who wants to get into high quality and affordable training.”
“I have been attending jiu-jitsu classes at Philadelphia Jiu-Jitsu for roughly the past 5 months and it has been the healthiest and focused I have felt in my life.”
From the reviews
I been coming to Philadelphia Jiu Jitsu for about 3 years and for the past 3 years it has been nothing but great and exciting! Damon and the other instructors know their stuff by heart and have a large range of knowledge of the sport alongside other types of mix martial arts that you learn a lot from various forms and…
I started training with Philadelphia JiuJitsu this past summer and it has been a great experience so far. Damon is extremely knowledgeable with over 30 years experience and has a great passion for teaching.
I have been wanting to get back into martial arts after a decade hiatus. I tried several other schools in the area but they didn’t speak to me. The students at Philadelphia Jiu-Jitsu are top notch. They are welcoming to beginners, train hard, and prioritize safety as well.
I have been training Mixed Martial Arts for 3 years and have visited and trained in many Academies. Philadelphia Jiu Jitsu is an amazing Mixed Martial Arts school located on Cherry Street in Philadelphia. I attended a class this past week and was extremely impressed with Damon and how he runs his academy.
New to judo? Start at Philadelphia Jiu-Jitsu
Philadelphia Jiu-Jitsu 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 Philadelphia 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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