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Samurai Judo & MMA

4.9 ★★★★★ 48 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey

Judo dojo Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Newaza 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 (ages 4–12) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Newaza newaza (groundwork) classes — judo's mat game of pins, holds, and controls, and a natural bridge to Brazilian jiu-jitsu
  • Competition a competition team for members who want to test themselves in shiai (tournaments)
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule samuraijudoandmma.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 201-503-5836

Hours

Monday 9 am–12 pm
Tuesday 5–9:30 pm
Wednesday 5–9:30 pm
Thursday 5–9:30 pm
Friday Closed
Saturday 5–9:30 pm
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 Samurai Judo & MMA, confirmed in members' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Judo 32 mentions

“Although I have a busy life scheduled and don’t see him as much I consider him a honorable person whom I would trust my kid to learn the art of Judo.”

All dojos that run kids judo →

🥋 Adult Judo 2 mentions

“We have one of us in each level of classes (4-8 year old group, 8-12 and adult class).”

All dojos that run adult judo →

🏆 Competition (Shiai) 3 mentions

“As a 3rd Degree Black Belt, 2x Bronze Medalist World Judo Championships (Masters) and former training partner of Sensei (Zumo), I give this Dojo my highest recommendation.”

All dojos that run competition (shiai) →

🌱 Beginners

“Would highly recommend this place for all skill levels.”

All dojos that run beginners →

Other martial arts here

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

🏟️ MMA 5 mentions

“I have looked at many schools in our area and the surrounding towns and haven't found one until I brought him to Samurai Judo and MMA.”

Other dojos that also teach mma →

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 48 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 8 mentions

“Sensei is very knowledgeable and has passion for what he teaches, after a year being here, my daughter now decided to practice it and she loves it!”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 3 mentions

“Also, having attended classes and observed Sensei teaching I must say the instruction is First class and cutting edge.”

🤝 respectful, no-ego dojo 18 mentions

“Sensei creates a welcoming and respectful environment while maintaining high standards and discipline on the mat.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 5 mentions

“Really teaches fundamentals especially to the younger children whom in my opinion don't get enough of that in other dojos.”

🔥 great workout & conditioning 3 mentions

“The sweat and hard work will pay off when you realize how far you’ve come and Samurai is the best place to learn motivation and discipline.”

🧒 strong kids program 6 mentions

“Sensei is very knowledgeable and has passion for what he teaches, after a year being here, my daughter now decided to practice it and she loves it!”

From the reviews

My children had an amazing experience participating at Samurai Judo. The sensei did an amazing job of teaching them not only the basics of the sport, but also (and I would say more importantly) using judo to teach them invaluable life lessons which will stay with them far beyond their immediate experience of the sport.

★★★★★ — Jashaun, May 2019

I am a life long student of the arts and have been looking for a school that my son can go to and feel comfortable and at home. I have looked at many schools in our area and the surrounding towns and haven't found one until I brought him to Samurai Judo and MMA.

★★★★★ — Resty, Nov 2018

As a 3rd Degree Black Belt, 2x Bronze Medalist World Judo Championships (Masters) and former training partner of Sensei (Zumo), I give this Dojo my highest recommendation. Also, having attended classes and observed Sensei teaching I must say the instruction is First class and cutting edge.

★★★★★ — Arthur, Jan 2018

I would give this school more then 5 stars if possible. When I first started here I didn’t know any students and I was worried.The instructors really helped ease my worries and made me feel welcome. Every time you receive a stripe or belt the whole samurai team makes you feel so good about it!

★★★★★ — Beshoy, May 2019

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 48 reviews →

New to judo? Start at Samurai Judo & MMA

Samurai Judo & MMA 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 Samurai Judo & MMA

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 Samurai Judo & MMA

428 Teaneck Rd, Ridgefield Park, NJ07660

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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.