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Sempai Judo Academy
5 ★★★★★ 12 Google reviews · Judo dojo in La Vista, Nebraska
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
- 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 5) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Private lessons private, one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule sempaijudo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (402) 612-6412
Hours
| Monday | 6–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 6–9 PM |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 6–7 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 10 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“It's a great place for kids and adults to get fit, learn some practical self-defense, and make friends.”
“Kids Started coming about a month ago and I started doing it with them in the adult classes.”
“They even gave me one on one teaching when I asked so I could better understand the particular technique or even move for that class.”
“It's a great place for kids and adults to get fit, learn some practical self-defense, and make friends.”
Other martial arts here
“The wrestling classes are a great addition to the schedule.”
“It's a great place for kids and adults to get fit, learn some practical self-defense, and make friends.”
What members say
“The kindness and sense of a family community here at the academy is tremendous and our teachers are always pushing us to strive to better ourselves.”
“They even gave me one on one teaching when I asked so I could better understand the particular technique or even move for that class.”
“My daughters love it and they have made huge strides since we started.”
From the reviews
Judo has been absolutely wonderful for my kids. Sempai has 1st class instructors, and I am very glad to be a part of this Judo Club. I love how the instructors work with all ages and skill levels. The wrestling classes are a great addition to the schedule.
When I first started out I wasn't sure of myself but the head instructor and his fellow assistant black belt teachers gave me the patient and understanding to get me where I am today. They even gave me one on one teaching when I asked so I could better understand the particular technique or even move for that class.
We love Sempai. It is family oriented, focusing on training and technique and strength, not just paying your way through the ranks. The kids work hard and take care of each other and it shows! My daughters love it and they have made huge strides since we started.
Kids Started coming about a month ago and I started doing it with them in the adult classes. Good place, everyone seems awesome, multiple instructors for all the kids. My kids love it! Instructors are good personable people! Glad we joyed
New to judo? Start at Sempai Judo Academy
Sempai Judo 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.
Your first judo class at Sempai Judo 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.
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