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Snyder Dojo
5 ★★★★★ 21 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Kalamazoo, Michigan
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
- 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
- Competition a competition team for members who want to test themselves in shiai (tournaments)
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule snyderdojo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (269) 365-3667
Hours
| Monday | 5:30–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 5:30–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:30–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 5:30–8:30 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 9–11:30 AM, 4–6 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The kids classes are great, and Chris is great with helping beginners and giving them personal one-on-one attention in their first judo class.”
“The kids classes are great, and Chris is great with helping beginners and giving them personal one-on-one attention in their first judo class.”
“As a woman, I feel very comfortable training here, and there's been a pretty good ratio of women to men whenever I've been there.”
“A friendly and welcoming dojo to people of all skill levels with no pressure to compete.”
“Joe Cook the Head instructor of the MMA class is an encyclopedia for ground grappling and striking.”
“The kids classes are great, and Chris is great with helping beginners and giving them personal one-on-one attention in their first judo class.”
“I highly recommend Snyder Dojo to anyone who wants a great experience while learning practical skills in a relaxed family environment.”
Other martial arts here
“The prices are insanely reasonable, and the grappling class is practically like having a 2nd BJJ class during the week.”
“You can't beat it for Judo in the kzoo area, and there's some fantastic stuff being taught in MMA, grappling and BJJ.”
What members say
“The kids classes are great, and Chris is great with helping beginners and giving them personal one-on-one attention in their first judo class.”
“I highly recommend Snyder Dojo to anyone who wants a great experience while learning practical skills in a relaxed family environment.”
“As a woman, I feel very comfortable training here, and there's been a pretty good ratio of women to men whenever I've been there.”
From the reviews
Whenever I am in Kalamazoo I try to stop at Snyder Dojo. Chris Snyder is the owner and Instructor. He has been grappling his whole life. He is awesome with young kids and adults. Not only is his Judo top notch but has an awesome submission grappling class.
Smaller, laid-back & friendly dojo. As a woman, I feel very comfortable training here, and there's been a pretty good ratio of women to men whenever I've been there. The kids classes are great, and Chris is great with helping beginners and giving them personal one-on-one attention in their first judo class.
Trained at Snyder Dojo years ago from when I moved to Kalamazoo back in 2009 until I left in 2012. Beyond being extremely skilled in judo and grappling, Chris Snyder created a fun and well-structured learning environment. I always felt better about myself after every class.
A friendly and welcoming dojo to people of all skill levels with no pressure to compete. Making sure people are safe and comfortable is a top priority. The instructor, Chris Snyder, has decades of experience with both kids and adults. There is no better dojo to bring your kids to and/or take classes yourself.
New to judo? Start at Snyder Dojo
Snyder Dojo comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo, going by their listing and members’ reviews. 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 Snyder Dojo
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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