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R&D Academy of Self Defense (Gracie Humaita Jiu Jitsu WSNC & Nito Judo Club)
5 ★★★★★ 23 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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
- Open mat open-mat randori sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule myrdacademy.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (336) 245-8121
Hours
| Monday | 10 AM–12:30 PM, 5–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 5:45–7 AM, 10 AM–12 PM, 5–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 5:45–7 AM, 10 AM–12:30 PM, 5–9 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–12:30 PM, 5–9 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM–12 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–12 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Great staff, friendly atmosphere and a judgement free zone for beginners and all skill levels.”
“Great training and instructors for adults and children!”
“My buddy and I came to visit for the weekend and attended a no-gi class, a self-defense class, & open mat at R & D academy.”
Other martial arts here
“The Real Deal 💯 Gracie jiu jitsu Royler Gracie, Mario aiello, Scott, Brent,Ed,Goat are Awesome Instructors All Black Belt Instructors Great place to train !”
“My buddy and I came to visit for the weekend and attended a no-gi class, a self-defense class, & open mat at R & D academy.”
What members say
“The Real Deal 💯 Gracie jiu jitsu Royler Gracie, Mario aiello, Scott, Brent,Ed,Goat are Awesome Instructors All Black Belt Instructors Great place to train !”
“They have an amazing facility with a ton of mat space, patient, friendly instructors, and it's a really good environment for learning.”
From the reviews
The Real Deal 💯 Gracie jiu jitsu Royler Gracie, Mario aiello, Scott, Brent,Ed,Goat are Awesome Instructors All Black Belt Instructors Great place to train !!!
I have been training at R&D for several years now and can say that their facility, staff and curriculum is by far the best in the area. The facilities are by far the nicest I've seen even in bigger city gyms attached to "celebrity" instructors.
My buddy and I came to visit for the weekend and attended a no-gi class, a self-defense class, & open mat at R & D academy. They have an amazing facility with a ton of mat space, patient, friendly instructors, and it's a really good environment for learning. If I lived in Winston-Salem I'd be training here.
If you are looking for true Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training, Judo training or learning self defense...this is the academy for you! Great staff, friendly atmosphere and a judgement free zone for beginners and all skill levels. You will not be disappointed!
New to judo? Start at R&D Academy of Self Defense (Gracie Humaita Jiu Jitsu WSNC & Nito Judo Club)
R&D Academy of Self Defense (Gracie Humaita Jiu Jitsu WSNC & Nito Judo Club) 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 R&D Academy of Self Defense (Gracie Humaita Jiu Jitsu WSNC & Nito Judo Club)
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.
