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The Forge House Grappling Co. Jiu Jitsu and Judo
5 ★★★★★ 2 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Marion, Iowa
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 (ages 5–14) — 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 forgehousegrappling.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (319) 450-6584
Hours
| Monday | 5:30–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 5:30–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | 5:30–8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–1:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I have three kids taking all the youth classes here (jiu-jitsu, takedowns, & life skills).”
“I have three kids taking all the youth classes here (jiu-jitsu, takedowns, & life skills).”
Other martial arts here
“I have three kids taking all the youth classes here (jiu-jitsu, takedowns, & life skills).”
What members say
“The other kids are friendly, welcoming, and everyone encourages each other during class.”
“The kids learn the importance of discipline, respect, and how to mentally push through when things get tough.”
From the reviews
I have three kids taking all the youth classes here (jiu-jitsu, takedowns, & life skills). They love Coach Sean's instruction and how fun he makes it when learning new techniques. The other kids are friendly, welcoming, and everyone encourages each other during class.
New to judo? Start at The Forge House Grappling Co. Jiu Jitsu and Judo
The Forge House Grappling Co. Jiu Jitsu and 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 The Forge House Grappling Co. Jiu Jitsu and 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.