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Welcome Mat Judo
5 ★★★★★ 17 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Kansas City, Missouri
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
- 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 welcomematjudoclub.org — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (816) 969-9019
Hours
| Monday | 6:30 PM–12 AM |
| Tuesday | 12–8 AM, 6–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 6–8:30 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 9:30–11:30 AM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“If you have a child this is the group to involve them in Constant movement with other kids Much better for kids under 13 vs, Karate Judo is more fast pasted .”
“Members of the club include a current member of the USA Pan-American Judo team as well as former USA Judo National Champions and a USA Judo Olympian.”
“Awesome place to learn self defense and build life long friendships!”
“They are very kind and welcoming and even with no experience they welcome you in with open arms.”
Other martial arts here
“If you have a child this is the group to involve them in Constant movement with other kids Much better for kids under 13 vs, Karate Judo is more fast pasted .”
“Awesome place to learn self defense and build life long friendships!”
What members say
“Great coaches with extensive competitive experience teaching sound fundamental judo in a fun atmosphere.”
“They are very kind and welcoming and even with no experience they welcome you in with open arms.”
“They are very kind and welcoming and even with no experience they welcome you in with open arms.”
“Members of the club include a current member of the USA Pan-American Judo team as well as former USA Judo National Champions and a USA Judo Olympian.”
From the reviews
Looking for traditional martial arts with a family atmosphere? Welcome Mat is the place for you. Each class has multiple, serious but friendly coaches. Great for kids 5 and up. Having 3-5 black belts teach each class gives variety in instruction style and content.
Absolutely wonderful team and people to train with. They are very kind and welcoming and even with no experience they welcome you in with open arms. And break down the teaching to understand easily. Could not recommend a better Judo team to train with!
I don't attend this school but one of the instructors comes to my jiu-jitsu school for 2 hours each week and teaches us some judo basics with that much being said I can say this welcome Mat is a legit place😃
Our family really appreciates Welcome Mat Judo and the instructors. In particular, Steve and Derrick are a wealth of knowledge and genuinely good people.
New to judo? Start at Welcome Mat Judo
Welcome Mat 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 Welcome Mat 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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