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SAGA Combat Systems

5 ★★★★★ 25 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Lincolnton, North Carolina

Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Competition

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
  • Competition a competition team for members who want to test themselves in shiai (tournaments)
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule sagacombatnc.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (980) 241-4354

Hours

Monday 7–8:30 PM
Tuesday 7:30–9 PM
Wednesday 6–8:30 PM
Thursday 7:30–9 PM
Friday 6–7 PM
Saturday 8:45–9:45 AM
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, seminars, and open-mat times — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

Judo classes on the schedule at SAGA Combat Systems, confirmed in members' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌱 Beginners 2 mentions

“I would recommend training here as an experienced martial artist or as someone who is brand new to the sport.”

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🧒 Kids Judo 7 mentions

“Kid friendly, but also will prepare you for true MMA matches for adults, or just to learn and exercise.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense

“If you’re looking for a good workout, a chance to learn how to protect yourself, or just love good fellowship, this is the place.”

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Other martial arts here

Judo dojos are often multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at SAGA Combat Systems — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🥋 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 2 mentions

“Whether you want to box, kickbox, do judo or Jiu Jitsu, there’s something for every age and skill level.”

Other dojos that also teach brazilian jiu-jitsu →

🏟️ MMA 2 mentions

“Kid friendly, but also will prepare you for true MMA matches for adults, or just to learn and exercise.”

Other dojos that also teach mma →

🎽 Karate

“Jujitsu and Judo, Karate, boxing.”

Other dojos that also teach karate →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the dojo's own info — they show what members have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want BJJ, wrestling, or sambo alongside your judo, confirm the current schedule with the dojo.

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 25 Google reviews — in their own words.

🤝 respectful, no-ego dojo 9 mentions

“Kid friendly, but also will prepare you for true MMA matches for adults, or just to learn and exercise.”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 2 mentions

“I’ve lost a ton of weight, built confidence, made lifelong friends, and know I can defend myself or others if the need did arise.”

From the reviews

Have been here for 4 years, awesome instructors. I’ve lost a ton of weight, built confidence, made lifelong friends, and know I can defend myself or others if the need did arise. If you’re looking for a good workout, a chance to learn how to protect yourself, or just love good fellowship, this is the place.

★★★★★ — Hailey, Jun 2021

Great place to train! I began training here two years ago. The instructors and the higher ranked students have always pushed me to make me better and also made me feel like I belong, which is very important when you are beginning in martial arts. I have had great results from training here.

★★★★★ — Steven, Apr 2017

Outstanding school for martial arts. Jujitsu and Judo, Karate, boxing. You won't find a better place to train and learn. Kid friendly, but also will prepare you for true MMA matches for adults, or just to learn and exercise. Everyone is friendly and helpful.

★★★★★ — Sean, Jun 2018

Been here for 6 years maybe? Started with my brothers and haven't stopped! Great school with a lot of awesome fighters. Prices are great and the atmosphere of the school is always pleasant. Once you join, you are bound to feel like a part of a family. HOWEVER!

★★★★★ — Angel, Mar 2017

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 25 reviews →

New to judo? Start at SAGA Combat Systems

SAGA Combat Systems 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first judo class at SAGA Combat Systems

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.

Judo is a contact sport. Ease in, tap early and often, listen to your sensei, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find SAGA Combat Systems

658 Center Dr, Lincolnton, NC28092

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this dojo? Claim your listing — it's free.