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Scholars Academy

5 ★★★★★ 103 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Brentwood, California

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 scholarsacademy.us — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (925) 809-0085

Hours

Monday 2–9 PM
Tuesday 2–9 PM
Wednesday 2–9 PM
Thursday 2–9 PM
Friday 2–9 PM
Saturday 10 AM–2 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 Scholars Academy, confirmed in members' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Judo 33 mentions

“This has been a safe, positive and healthy outlet for the kids to come to and I really feel it has helped them deal with all the emotions they've been experiencing lately.”

All dojos that run kids judo →

🏆 Competition (Shiai)

“They organize entertaining activities outside of class and have several types and levels of competition tournaments.”

All dojos that run competition (shiai) →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“Scholars Academy is the best family mindset environment and our daughter has learned a lot about self defense, confidence, and determination!”

All dojos that run self-defense →

🌱 Beginners

“The atmosphere is welcoming and energetic, and the classes are well-structured 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 Scholars Academy — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🎽 Karate 3 mentions

“From judo and karate to kickboxing, the instructors are highly skilled, professional, and truly passionate about teaching.”

Other dojos that also teach karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“Scholars Academy is the best family mindset environment and our daughter has learned a lot about self defense, confidence, and determination!”

Other dojos that also teach self-defense →

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 103 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 3 mentions

“Baker is an amazing instructor and pushes you to be your very best as well as making classes fun and exciting to go to.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 6 mentions

“The environment is supportive, welcoming, and focused on helping every student thrive both in and out of the classroom.”

🤝 respectful, no-ego dojo 24 mentions

“They strike a perfect balance between discipline and fun, making classes engaging while instilling valuable life skills like confidence, respect, and perseverance.”

🧒 strong kids program 4 mentions

“Our daughter loves Scholars Academy and as a parent I enjoy the family kickboxing classes with her!”

🏆 active competition team 2 mentions

“They organize entertaining activities outside of class and have several types and levels of competition tournaments.”

🧼 clean, well-kept mats 4 mentions

“From the moment you walk in, the first thing you notice is how clean, organized, and safe the environment is.”

From the reviews

Scholars Academy is a great place to take your kids too. As a someone who goes here daily, I’ve grew a lot of confidence as well as friends. It has a welcoming family atmosphere. Mr. Baker is an amazing instructor and pushes you to be your very best as well as making classes fun and exciting to go to.

★★★★★ — Lina, Oct 2023

Excellent service! The instructors are amazing. It is family owned and Is family oriented. They offer free classes/workout for parent and child every Tues and Thursday which is always fun. The place is clean, spacious, and well lit. There’s always other activities outside the class.

★★★★★ — Christine, Sep 2021

My daughter and several of her friends have been going to Scholars Academy for almost a year now, and they all love it.. They've gained a lot of strength, endurance, determination, and confidence. They are also learning respect and responsibility each class. It's a fun and energetic environment.

★★★★★ — Dean, Jun 2023

Scholars Academy is a great place to get kids out of the house and get involved in something other than a TV screen. The kids have tons of fun in class while also learning discipline. Everyone there are super nice and welcoming. It’s so much more than learning how to kick and punch.

★★★★★ — Laura, May 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 103 reviews →

New to judo? Start at Scholars Academy

Scholars Academy 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first judo class at Scholars Academy

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 Scholars Academy

2010 Elkins Way Ste 100, Brentwood, CA94513

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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.