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Winter Haven Martial Arts Academy
5 ★★★★★ 128 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Winter Haven, Florida
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
- Competition a competition team for members who want to test themselves in shiai (tournaments)
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule winterhavenjiujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (863) 888-0577
Hours
| Monday | 5–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 10 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 5–9 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 5–9 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 8–10 AM |
The classes they run
“I have been thinking about getting my son into a sparring-oriented martial arts program when I saw an ad for Winter Haven Jiu Jitsu.”
“It's a lot of fun for the kids while also teaching them self defense and self control.”
“Whether you’re a beginner looking to build confidence and fitness, or a more advanced student wanting to refine your technique, you’ll find top-notch instruction here.”
Other martial arts here
“The activities at the academy have brought a lot of discipline to our daughter, and we are very happy, especially with her progress in Jiu-Jitsu.”
“It's a lot of fun for the kids while also teaching them self defense and self control.”
What members say
“If you’re looking for a family-friendly academy with excellent instruction and a positive atmosphere, this place is hard to beat!”
“Whether you’re a beginner looking to build confidence and fitness, or a more advanced student wanting to refine your technique, you’ll find top-notch instruction here.”
“If you’re looking for a family-friendly academy with excellent instruction and a positive atmosphere, this place is hard to beat!”
“Whether you’re a beginner looking to build confidence and fitness, or a more advanced student wanting to refine your technique, you’ll find top-notch instruction here.”
“But it’s the right environment to challenge and encourage my son to be active and confident.”
From the reviews
We enrolled our 7-year-old daughter, and she has developed a lot at the academy. She is more responsible and obedient. The activities at the academy have brought a lot of discipline to our daughter, and we are very happy, especially with her progress in Jiu-Jitsu.
If you are looking for a place with great instructors who really take the time to tach your kids, this is the place for you! The homeschool classes are awesome and really get the kids moving. It's a lot of fun for the kids while also teaching them self defense and self control.
A Fantastic Place to Train and Grow in Winter Haven area! Winter Haven Jiujitsu - Martial Arts is truly an outstanding martial arts school. The instructors are not only highly skilled and knowledgeable but also genuinely care about each student’s progress, both on and off the mat.
I have been thinking about getting my son into a sparring-oriented martial arts program when I saw an ad for Winter Haven Jiu Jitsu. It was easy to sign up, and we went for our first class.
New to judo? Start at Winter Haven Martial Arts Academy
Winter Haven Martial Arts Academy 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 Winter Haven Martial Arts 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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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site