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Way of Jiu Jitsu Academy
5 ★★★★★ 153 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Denver, Colorado
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
- 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
- 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)
- Website & schedule wayofjiujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 303-246-8855
The classes they run
“This gym is for everyone, whether you a lady looking for self defense classes, a beginner or experience wrestler, you will find what you're looking for!”
“Now, whenever my family and I visit Denver, getting in a few training sessions at Way of Jiu Jitsu is a must, even for my wife and two kids.”
“I started at age 10 and did 3 years in the kids class before "graduating" to the adult class.”
“Professor Nobuo is well connected in the local BJJ and judo scenes, regularly promotes tournaments, and frequently hosts high-quality seminars in both disciplines.”
“As a three-time world champion, I can confidently say this jiu-jitsu gym is exceptional!”
“They go over a stand-up combat drill and then move to the ground as a natural transition to cover ground techniques/moves.”
“I have a good 100 lbs on Nubuo, but he throws me around like it’s nothing.”
“Coaches are teaching respect, discipline, managing emotions, accountability, healthy competition, self-defense, and physical safety (ex: how to fall safely).”
Other martial arts here
“The coaches are all incredibly professional, patient, and skilled at teaching jiujitsu in a way that challenges the kids while keeping it fun.”
“Coaches are teaching respect, discipline, managing emotions, accountability, healthy competition, self-defense, and physical safety (ex: how to fall safely).”
What members say
“Each class offers valuable lessons—both on and off the mat—and the welcoming community is genuinely committed to helping one another grow in skill and character.”
“Each class offers valuable lessons—both on and off the mat—and the welcoming community is genuinely committed to helping one another grow in skill and character.”
“In the kids class, I learned all the fundamentals of Jiu-jitsu as well as important life lessons, like discipline, work ethic, and accountability.”
“They also have a great kids program that my kids have attended which they really enjoyed.”
“Professor Nobuo is well connected in the local BJJ and judo scenes, regularly promotes tournaments, and frequently hosts high-quality seminars in both disciplines.”
“Professor Nobuo is well connected in the local BJJ and judo scenes, regularly promotes tournaments, and frequently hosts high-quality seminars in both disciplines.”
From the reviews
My son was 4 1/2 years old when he started. His doctors recommended he attend a sport to challenge his mind, body and most important build his communication skills. Jiu Jitsu is a full body workout. The trainer and coaches here are amazing. They’ve been a tremendous help showing students what it looks like to be safe.
I’ve been to a few different bjj academy’s and this has far been the best experience. Professor Nobuo is great at teaching bjj and really simplifies everything to make it easy to learn. I feel there are a lot of skilled individuals training at the academy thanks to the great technique that is taught.
Our daughter has been training at Way of Jiu Jitsu since she was 8 and she is now 14, and she absolutely loves it! The coaches are wonderful and so patient with the kids. I recently started training myself and the environment is very welcoming and not at all intimidating!
I started training at Way of Jiu Jitsu back in 2022 I guess. I trained there for about a year and a half before moving overseas. Since leaving this jiu jitsu academy, I have trained at three or four other places… Some big schools… Some small schools… Some in the US… Some in Europe… Way of Jiu Jitsu is by far the best…
New to judo? Start at Way of Jiu Jitsu Academy
Way of Jiu Jitsu Academy 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 Way of Jiu Jitsu 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.
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