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Shojin Judo
5 ★★★★★ 14 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Southfield, Michigan
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 — 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 shojinjudo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 810-626-3131
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 5–8 pm |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | 4:30–8 pm |
| Saturday | 12–2 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Watched the kids classes and saw how the warm up built was very exercise heavy and the techniques portion was application focused.”
“Sensei Simon and Sensei Nabil have years of experience as Judo competitors, referees, and educators - and they are exceptional teachers.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“We enrolled our daughter and could not have been more impressed with the caring environment and family feel of the dojo.”
“Watched the kids classes and saw how the warm up built was very exercise heavy and the techniques portion was application focused.”
“Watched the kids classes and saw how the warm up built was very exercise heavy and the techniques portion was application focused.”
From the reviews
Shojin is a great dojo and I would recommend it to anyone! I have been practicing Judo here for the past three years and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Sensei Simon and Sensei Nabil have years of experience as Judo competitors, referees, and educators - and they are exceptional teachers.
My friend, Nick, invited me to check out Shojin Judo, his home dojo, back in 2012. I must admit that I was skeptical at first. I was, however, impressed by the level of hands on teaching, team-work, and intense exercise. Had I not moved out of state, I would have likely called Shojin Judo my home dojo. It's a gem.
I LOVE Judo. Sensei Neil is an amazing instructor, and the higher belts are very nice and helpful. Class is intense, but super fun. The atmosphere is very conducive to learning, and I feel like I am making a bunch of new friends.
We found Shojin when our nephew began kids judo classes there. We enrolled our daughter and could not have been more impressed with the caring environment and family feel of the dojo. Sensei Neil Simon is a one in a million find.
New to judo? Start at Shojin Judo
Shojin Judo 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 Shojin Judo
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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