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Raptor Academy of Martial Arts: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Submission Wrestling
5 ★★★★★ 51 Google reviews · Judo dojo in State College, Pennsylvania
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.
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
- Open mat open-mat randori sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule raptorbjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (814) 810-8736
Hours
| Monday | 5:30–6:30 AM, 5:30–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 12–1 PM, 6–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 12–1 PM, 5:30–9 PM |
| Thursday | 6–8 PM |
| Friday | 12–1 PM, 5:30–8 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–12 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I had such a wonderful first time experience here while visiting.”
“My daughter and I joined the gym in early 2020 and it was incredible how well the Raptor team shifted and adapted during that time.”
“They have classes everyday which makes easier to fit in our schedule and every Friday there is women’s only class.”
Other martial arts here
“They encourage the kids to focus on improvement rather than whether they win or lose, and there are a lot of valuable life lessons that go along with great jiu-jitsu coaching.”
“In addition to BJJ, they also offer plenty of Judo and Wrestling techniques.”
“Highly recommend this place over any other "Karate" place in town.”
What members say
“I was able to roll with a few of their coaches (Jeremy, Jess, and Brian), and they were excellent—skilled, technical, and welcoming.”
“It feels more like a family than a business which I appreciate and keeps me coming back when I feel physically unmotivated to work out!”
“The facility is well maintained, with great quality mats, and attention to detail.”
“The greatest experience for my son! He loves Jess and Jon as instructors and we are so impressed by how fun and instructive the experience is for him.”
“Raptor is a fun, safe, clean environment and any time my students are in the area this is 100% where I send them!”
“They have classes everyday which makes easier to fit in our schedule and every Friday there is women’s only class.”
From the reviews
Our son started going to Raptor when he was 10 and he has had an amazing experience there. The coaches create such a welcoming environment for kids where the emphasis is on persevering and doing your best.
My son loves going. The instructors are excellent and go above and beyond to assist him with his ADHD. The environment is clean and great location with free off-street parking. Tudek park and gym next door if you want to work out while your child attends class.
I’ve been at Raptor for 8 months now and I’ve trained at other places as well - Raptor is by far my favorite place. The instructors at Raptor are very knowledgeable and attentive and the atmosphere is very fun and welcoming.
Raptor is the best gym in State College. I've been training here for almost two years now. The instructors are amazing, and there's a lot of great vibes. They do an excellent job of teaching Jiu-Jitsu in an organized, easy-to-understand, and friendly manner.
New to judo? Start at Raptor Academy of Martial Arts: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Submission Wrestling
Raptor Academy of Martial Arts: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Submission Wrestling 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 Raptor Academy of Martial Arts: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Submission Wrestling
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.
Where to find Raptor Academy of Martial Arts: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Submission Wrestling
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