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Team FVGC: Fox Valley Grappling Club
4.9 ★★★★★ 72 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Appleton, Wisconsin
Plan your first class
- Membership memberships run around $100/mo — many dojos also offer a discounted first month and family plans, so ask about new-member rates
- 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
- 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 foxvalleygrapplingclub.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (920) 637-1155
Hours
| Monday | 5–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 9–10:30 AM, 4–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 6–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 9–10:30 AM, 5–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 6–9 PM |
| Saturday | 10:30 AM–12:30 PM |
| Sunday | 3–5:30 PM |
The classes they run
“The coaches have been amazing from the beginner stages all the way to more recent competitions.”
“When I moved to Appleton, I went looking for a martial arts gym for my kids, I simply wanted a great gym with a positive atmosphere to learn & excel.”
“And if you're a veteran looking for a new place to roll, this is similarly an excellent choice, with lots of tough competitors at all levels and weight classes.”
“The instructors are fun and make it safe space for the kids to learn self defense.”
Other martial arts here
“Coach Dan Williams ( BJJ black belt, if I may brag) has always been patient, motivational and supportive with his direction and training methods.”
“Update: Now that Fox Valley grappling Club has moved to its new location and connected with aviators wrestling there are so many more opportunities here.”
“The coaching staff is very knowledgeable and always progressing their games to help us stay competitive when it comes time for tournaments and mma fights.”
“The instructors are fun and make it safe space for the kids to learn self defense.”
What members say
“Same great instructors and teammates, even more mat space to train on!”
“I'm an older female and have always felt welcome, safe and comfortable at this family/female friendly gym.”
“Coach Dan Williams ( BJJ black belt, if I may brag) has always been patient, motivational and supportive with his direction and training methods.”
“There are 3 black belts under one roof and always new technique to learn.”
“And if you're a veteran looking for a new place to roll, this is similarly an excellent choice, with lots of tough competitors at all levels and weight classes.”
“I'm an older female and have always felt welcome, safe and comfortable at this family/female friendly gym.”
From the reviews
*Updates* - The gym has moved! It's now on Nicolet Rd. in the Aviators Wresting building. Same great instructors and teammates, even more mat space to train on! Plus, we have showers now. -On any given day, there is anywhere between 1-5 black belts on the mats.
I have been a member and training at FVGC for 8 1/2 years. I love everything about being part of this team. Coach Dan Williams ( BJJ black belt, if I may brag) has always been patient, motivational and supportive with his direction and training methods.
You got to train with the best to be the best. And this gym definitely offers the best. No matter what fitness level you're in you can be sure to find the coaching and nutritional help you need to get on track. Whether your goal is to compete or just get into shape, this is definitely the place to do so.
Been training here for about 6 weeks now and I couldn’t be happier I love this gym and the team is so great. The coaches are wonderful and very knowledgeable everyone is so welcoming and warm.
New to judo? Start at Team FVGC: Fox Valley Grappling Club
Team FVGC: Fox Valley Grappling 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 Team FVGC: Fox Valley Grappling 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.
