Judo Classes in Rochester, NY
Rochester has 3 judo dojos — including 1 with a free trial, 2 beginner-friendly, and 2 with kids' classes. Every listing is ranked by what members say (Google rating weighted by review count) and shows live open-now hours and the classes each dojo runs, so you can find your dojo and book your first class. All levels welcome — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start.
Empire Academy of Combat Sports and Fitness
4.9 ★★★★★ 62 reviews
BEDROC MMA
4.8 ★★★★★ 44 reviews
Rochester Judo
4.7 ★★★★★ 6 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Good to know in Rochester
1 of the 3 dojos with posted hours are open on Sundays.
For a recognized affiliation or lineage (think USA Judo, USJA, USJF, or Kodokan), members point to Empire Academy of Combat Sports and Fitness.
Plan your first class
This dojo offers a free trial, free first class, or intro offer — the low-risk way to try judo before you commit. Check each dojo's schedule for the current offer.
- Rochester Judo ★★★★★ 4.7 (6)
New to judo?
These dojos are called out by members as welcoming to beginners — go at your own pace, ask questions, and know that randori builds up slowly and you start by learning to fall safely. Everyone in the room started with a first class.
- Empire Academy of Combat Sports and Fitness ★★★★★ 4.9 (62)
- BEDROC MMA ★★★★★ 4.8 (44)
Kids & teen judo in Rochester
These dojos run kids' or youth classes — supervised, confidence-building, and focused on discipline and self-defense. Check each dojo's schedule for age groups and times.
- Empire Academy of Combat Sports and Fitness ★★★★★ 4.9 (62)
- Rochester Judo ★★★★★ 4.7 (6)
Judo in Rochester: quick answers
- How much does judo cost a month in Rochester?
- Most Rochester dojos don't post prices online. Judo is usually sold as a monthly membership, and it often runs cheap at community and nonprofit clubs. Many offer a free or discounted first class, so you can visit before you commit — see our cost guide for typical price ranges.
- Do any Rochester dojos offer a free trial or free first class?
- Yes — 1 of the 3 dojos in Rochester advertise a free trial, free first class, or intro offer, including Rochester Judo. Offers change, so confirm on the dojo's site before you go.
- I'm a total beginner — can I start judo in Rochester?
- Yes. Judo welcomes complete beginners, and you don't need to be fit or have any experience first — the training gets you in shape. 2 Rochester dojos are highlighted by members as beginner-friendly. Randori (live sparring) builds up slowly, a good dojo never pressures newcomers, and you start by learning ukemi (safe falling) — you bow in, show respect, and all levels are welcome.
- Are there kids' judo classes in Rochester?
- Yes — 2 Rochester dojos run kids' or youth judo, with some classes starting as young as age 5. Youth programs focus on confidence, discipline, and fun in a supervised setting; check each dojo's schedule for age groups and times.