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South Hills Judo Academy

4.5 ★★★★★ 10 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Judo dojo Free trial Affiliated Kids & teens

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
  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth judo classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Open mat open-mat randori sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule southhillsjudoacademy.org — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (412) 287-5272

Hours

Monday 6–9 PM
Tuesday 9–11 AM
Wednesday 6–9 PM
Thursday 11:54 AM–1:54 AM
Friday 9–11 AM
Saturday 11 AM–1 PM
Sunday 9–11 AM

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 South Hills Judo Academy, confirmed in members' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

Other martial arts here

Judo dojos are often multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at South Hills Judo Academy — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

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 10 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 2 mentions

“The instructors take the time to work with each student individually to learn any new moves, while instilling confidence and respect within the students.”

From the reviews

SHJC just reopened, with Rick Brown back as head instructor. Come on by, check us out

★★★★★ — Tim, Jun 2018

This Judo academy is amazing. The instructors take the time to work with each student individually to learn any new moves, while instilling confidence and respect within the students. Positive atmosphere! Highly recommend.

★★★★★ — Kristin, Mar 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 10 reviews →

Your first judo class at South Hills 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.

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 South Hills Judo Academy

2620 Brownsville Rd, Pittsburgh, PA15227

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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.