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White Dragon Judo
4.9 ★★★★★ 50 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Overland, 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
- 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
- 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)
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule wdjudo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 314-223-9398
Hours
| Monday | 6–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 6–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 6:30–8 pm |
| Thursday | 6–9 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 10:30 am–12 pm |
| Sunday | 3–5 pm |
The classes they run
“Having no experience related, they did a wonderful job explaining and teaching the history and importance of what they are doing.”
“I've been going since I was a little kid, I stopped going, and when I came back, they welcomed me back with open arms like I never left.”
“A good place to try if you’re interested in learning judo and or want to compete!”
“They do a good portion of newaza too!”
“Whether you want to get in shape or learn self defense, White Dragon is the right decision”
Other martial arts here
“I began Judo 1 yr ago with no previous wrestling or grappling experience.”
“Whether you want to get in shape or learn self defense, White Dragon is the right decision”
What members say
“Amazing place to learn judo with great instructors that make the learning process simple and straightforward.”
“Having no experience related, they did a wonderful job explaining and teaching the history and importance of what they are doing.”
“Very good judo club, has a friendly atmosphere for beginners, Glenn, Philipp and other instructors are very knowledgeable.”
“There is a training system in place so that everyone improves in a systematic way at their own pace.”
“A good place to try if you’re interested in learning judo and or want to compete!”
“Would definitely bring a friend in who wanted to learn self defense and some discipline!”
From the reviews
Best judo club in the whole Saint Louis area. Classes focus on skill learning rather than jumping jacks and push-ups. By that I mean they spend the whole class time teaching you judo / martial arts and waste no time doing something else, such as random stretching or exercises.
Very good judo club, has a friendly atmosphere for beginners, Glenn, Philipp and other instructors are very knowledgeable. Would definitely bring a friend in who wanted to learn self defense and some discipline! Thanks white dragon club for being out there for people to get better 🤝
Been here for years now. Best place to train judo in the area! A great fit for all ages and fitness levels, hobbyists, and competitors. I've seen people go all the way from white belt to black belt at this school. Always evolving and improving their judo and their community.
White Dragon Judo Club is the best Judo school in Missouri. The school has a top notch facility and elite instructors with tons of experience competing and instructing. Whether you want to get in shape or learn self defense, White Dragon is the right decision
New to judo? Start at White Dragon Judo
White Dragon 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 White Dragon 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.