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Shimeru Judo & Jiu Jitsu Club
5 ★★★★★ 35 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Lake Elsinore, California
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 4–13) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's judo classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- 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
- Newaza newaza (groundwork) classes — judo's mat game of pins, holds, and controls, and a natural bridge to Brazilian jiu-jitsu
- Open mat open-mat randori sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Competition a competition team for members who want to test themselves in shiai (tournaments)
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule shimeru.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (951) 400-5456
Hours
| Monday | 9–10:30 AM, 4–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 5–6 AM, 4–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 9–10:30 AM, 4–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 5–6 AM, 4–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 9–10:30 AM, 4–8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–12 PM |
| Sunday | 12–2 PM |
The classes they run
“The coaches are knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely care about every student, whether you're stepping on the mats for the first time or preparing for competition.”
“As soon as I walked in, the coach took the time to speak with my daughter and I, making sure we felt comfortable and answering all of our questions in great detail.”
“Everyone is treated with respect and given one-on-one interaction.”
Other martial arts here
“Our kids have gained so much confidence, discipline, and resilience through training here, and we've made friendships that extend far beyond jiu-jitsu.”
“They are open 7days a week and have a variety of classes such as basic judo, basic jiu-jitsu, over 50 jiu-jitsu, wrestling, kids classes, exc.”
What members say
“Professor Patrick and Coach Sammy are outstanding—great coaches who break things down in a way that really clicks, whether you’re brand new or more experienced.”
“The coaches are knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely care about every student, whether you're stepping on the mats for the first time or preparing for competition.”
“From the time I called to ask about scheduling to the time I came in Professor Patrick was super welcoming and helpful in making it an easy start to the journey.”
“As soon as I walked in, the coach took the time to speak with my daughter and I, making sure we felt comfortable and answering all of our questions in great detail.”
“Our kids have gained so much confidence, discipline, and resilience through training here, and we've made friendships that extend far beyond jiu-jitsu.”
“The facility is clean, huge, and the mats are of the highest quality.”
From the reviews
This place is amazing! First of all, it’s a very clean and family oriented facility. Professor Patrick is extremely knowledgeable and helpful with both his kid and adult students.
Shimeru Judo & Jiujitsu Club is an awesome place to train! From the first day I walked into the academy I was welcomed like family. The good vibes are always present here! It has been such a great place to learn the art and skill of Jiujitsu and Judo.
My daughter Scarlett and I couldn’t be happier with our experience at Shimeru. We transferred her from another jiu jitsu gym a little over a month ago, and the difference has been night and day—she absolutely loves it here. She’s more excited to train, more confident, and genuinely looks forward to every class.
I can't even scratch the surface on how amazing Shimeru is. The owners, Patrick and Brie are awesome and very knowledgeable instructors. Sammy is a top notch instructor and is amazing with the younger kids.
New to judo? Start at Shimeru Judo & Jiu Jitsu Club
Shimeru Judo & Jiu Jitsu Club 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 Shimeru Judo & Jiu Jitsu Club
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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