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Platte River Judo
5 ★★★★★ 20 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Casper, Wyoming
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 facebook.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 605-787-0258
Hours
| Monday | 5:45–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 5:45–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 5:45–10 pm |
| Thursday | 5:45–10 pm |
| Friday | 5:45–10 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“We brought two of our sons (6 & 8) to try Judo for the first time about a year ago, and have never looked back.”
“The kids class is second to none, creating a fun atmosphere that will teach kids discipline, humility, and respect for one another.”
“The instructors are incredibly good with younger kids and mentoring teens.”
“Kids love attending during their birthday week because: birthday throws--they are the absolute best and the giggles and smiles they cause, is music to proud parents' ears.”
Other martial arts here
“The head coach’s foundation in wrestling, jiu-jitsu and sambo enriches his judo instruction, creating a well-rounded and dynamic approach to the art.”
“The head coach’s foundation in wrestling, jiu-jitsu and sambo enriches his judo instruction, creating a well-rounded and dynamic approach to the art.”
“The head coach’s foundation in wrestling, jiu-jitsu and sambo enriches his judo instruction, creating a well-rounded and dynamic approach to the art.”
“I've trained in a lot of martial arts: tae kwon do, karate, muay thai, bjj, and judo.”
What members say
“Justin Smith is a world class instructor who cares deeply about the success of his students.”
“All of the coaches are amazing and very kind and they create a very welcoming atmosphere to anyone who wants to try Judo no matter the skill level.”
“All of the coaches are amazing and very kind and they create a very welcoming atmosphere to anyone who wants to try Judo no matter the skill level.”
“Kids love attending during their birthday week because: birthday throws--they are the absolute best and the giggles and smiles they cause, is music to proud parents' ears.”
“What stood out most was not only the technical quality of the training, but the culture of respect, discipline, and humility that filled the dojo.”
From the reviews
The best in the sate. Justin is extremely knowledgeable and has connections in the sport all over the country. Very welcoming, great for beginners and kids. Excellent people in an excellent sport.
Platte River Judo club is the very best well rounded environment any adult or athlete could be apart of. This dojo has caring, intuitive senseis whom honor and respect all their students AND their activities.
The best martial arts dojo in the state! Justin has a wealth of grappling knowledge (i.e, wresting, judo, sambo, mma). I've trained in a lot of martial arts: tae kwon do, karate, muay thai, bjj, and judo. This dojo and instructor are by far my favorite. It doesn't get better than this martial arts school!
Greatest judo program in WY. Justin is super knowledgeable, has experience as a police instructor and doesn’t charge much for classes. The staff are kind and very respectful and the dojo is active in national competitions. I am so glad I can come train with these guys.
New to judo? Start at Platte River Judo
Platte River Judo 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 Platte River Judo
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.