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Waco Judo
5 ★★★★★ 8 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Hewitt, Texas
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
- Competition a competition team for members who want to test themselves in shiai (tournaments)
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule wacojudo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 254-218-3754
Hours
| Monday | 4–5 pm, 8:30–9:30 pm |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 8:30–9:30 pm |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | 4–5 pm, 7–8:30 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Whether it’s working with young beginners or helping adults refine their technique, Sensei Jonah brings the perfect balance of discipline, encouragement, and technical precision.”
“Back when he ran 510 Judo in the Bay Area, he built a dojo that was known for its strong community, serious training, and a welcoming vibe for both kids and adults.”
“There are also adult classes, and I have found it’s a great way for parents to build a bond with their kids.”
“I started doing Judo for exercise but ended up falling in love and started to compete!”
“Professor Jonah has a very calm and kind teaching demeanor for someone who is able to throw you across the room.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“Back when he ran 510 Judo in the Bay Area, he built a dojo that was known for its strong community, serious training, and a welcoming vibe for both kids and adults.”
“Whether it’s working with young beginners or helping adults refine their technique, Sensei Jonah brings the perfect balance of discipline, encouragement, and technical precision.”
“Whether it’s working with young beginners or helping adults refine their technique, Sensei Jonah brings the perfect balance of discipline, encouragement, and technical precision.”
From the reviews
Waco Judo will quickly become a staple of high-quality martial arts instruction in Central Texas, and it’s no surprise why—Sensei Jonah is at the heart of it. I’ve had the privilege of training alongside him over the years, both in the Bay Area and beyond, and I can confidently say he’s a dedicated, thoughtful, and…
Professor Jonah has a very calm and kind teaching demeanor for someone who is able to throw you across the room. You can tell he is knowledgeable in the art of Judo when in class and anytime you have questions on how a technique should work or what you are doing wrong, he is able to give you tips and thoughts on how…
I have been training with Sensei Jonah for 4+ months now and have enjoyed every class. The curriculum is very well structured for any experience level and the instruction is of the quality you would expect from someone who has been training and teaching for nearly 20 yrs.
My son loves his judo classes. He’s gained confidence and discipline. Sensei Jonah is very patient, motivating, and truly dedicated to his students. I highly recommend for anyone wanting to introduce their children to martial arts.
New to judo? Start at Waco Judo
Waco 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 Waco 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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