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Red River Judo
5 ★★★★★ 18 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Fargo, North Dakota
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 (ages 6–13) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Competition a competition team for members who want to test themselves in shiai (tournaments)
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule redriverjudo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 701-491-8929
Hours
| Monday | 4–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 4–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 4–9 pm |
| Thursday | 4–9 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | 4–9 pm |
The classes they run
“The environment is welcoming and supportive, whether you’re brand new or have experience.”
“He creates an inclusive, respectful environment where kids are not only engaged but also challenged in meaningful ways that build confidence and discipline.”
Other martial arts here
“I went to a judo seminar at Red River Judo - being a jiujitsu person I was a little nervous (bjj purple belt, but never had a judo class).”
What members say
“Great environment, excellent instructors, very positive experience - check it out!”
“Daughter has been attending for almost 3 years now and she has grown a lot since that first day.”
“He creates an inclusive, respectful environment where kids are not only engaged but also challenged in meaningful ways that build confidence and discipline.”
“He creates an inclusive, respectful environment where kids are not only engaged but also challenged in meaningful ways that build confidence and discipline.”
From the reviews
I went to a judo seminar at Red River Judo - being a jiujitsu person I was a little nervous (bjj purple belt, but never had a judo class). All the people were SO welcoming, friendly and helpful. The seminar was incredible and I had a wonderful time.
Wonderful place to learn or practice Judo and Japanese Ju-Jitsu. Wonderful instructors, great explanations and overall a 10/10 dojo would highly recommend!
Red River Judo has been such an amazing experience so far!! All of the instructors are incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and truly passionate about what they do. They take the time to work with each student individually while still keeping classes fun, engaging, and structured.
Red River Judo is an outstanding place for both beginners and experienced students. Sensei Steve has a unique gift for making everyone feel welcome the moment they walk through the door.
New to judo? Start at Red River Judo
Red River Judo 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 Red 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.