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Pride Lands MMA Academy
5 ★★★★★ 113 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Scranton, Pennsylvania
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
- 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
- Open mat open-mat randori sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Competition a competition team for members who want to test themselves in shiai (tournaments)
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule pridelandsmma.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (570) 904-0435
Hours
| Monday | 11 AM–2 PM, 5–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 11 AM–12:30 PM, 5–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–12:30 PM, 5–8 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–12:30 PM, 5–8 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM–12:30 PM, 6:15–8 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–12:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“You might be nervous to walk into an mma gym for the first time but I highly recommend you try pride lands out!”
“My son has been with Pride Lands since 2015 and I would not think of having him train anywhere else.”
“Jay and all of the other coaches are master class instructors.”
“This is the place for you whether you’re an active competitor or just a hobbyist.”
“(NAGA World Championship) Thank you to Jay, Paul and the entire team.”
“The classes are taught by high level professors who enjoy what they do and will go out of their way to work one-on-one with you.”
Other martial arts here
“This is definitely the gym I would 100% recommend to anyone to start their bjj/striking journey, or to continue their current training.”
“The gym is full of individuals of all skill levels in BJJ/Judo/wrestling/striking.”
“Best mma school I’ve personally ever been to, there are several black belt instructors and awesome training partners who are more than happy to help out and train with you!”
What members say
“Best mma school I’ve personally ever been to, there are several black belt instructors and awesome training partners who are more than happy to help out and train with you!”
“You might be nervous to walk into an mma gym for the first time but I highly recommend you try pride lands out!”
“Everyone that goes are also fantastic training partners and all around good people.”
“His attention to detail and the way he teaches is suitable for beginners to advanced grapplers.”
“This is the place for you whether you’re an active competitor or just a hobbyist.”
“They are not simply teaching me a martial art, they have revived discipline and confidence in my life that was lost.”
From the reviews
I recently started attending this academy, and it is hands down the best academy I have attended. Professor Jason is world class in his instruction and shows great individual care in the development of his students.
I’ve been training here since Dec 2022 - Jay Ratchford is an excellent coach and amazing human being who pushes you and encourages you to be the best version of yourself on and off the mat. The people that train here are exceptionally humble and easy to train with.
Hands down the best academy around! I recently started training here after training at another place for a year and a half. Professor Jason is an amazing instructor. He really takes the time to make sure his students are getting top notch training.
Best mma school I’ve personally ever been to, there are several black belt instructors and awesome training partners who are more than happy to help out and train with you!! Even as a smaller female I have always felt very welcome and safe there.
New to judo? Start at Pride Lands MMA Academy
Pride Lands MMA Academy 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 Pride Lands MMA 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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