Beginner Judo Classes
Beginner judo is the on-ramp to the sport, and a good beginners' class is built entirely around people who have never trained: the very first thing you learn is ukemi — how to fall safely — so that everything after it feels far less scary, followed by a few basic throws and holds. You do not need to be fit, young or flexible to start, and most clubs will lend you a gi for your first session. Hard randori (free sparring) is not part of a true beginners' class; when live practice does come, it is introduced gently and you can always reset. Expect to drill technique with a partner, expect to be a little lost your first time (everyone is), and expect a room that remembers being new. If nerves are the thing holding you back, this is exactly the class designed to melt them — just leave your ego at the door. The 375 dojos below offer beginner judo classes — use the map to find the closest one, or browse by state.
Top-rated dojos for beginner judo classes
Ranked by local reputation — rating weighted by review count.
Broadway Jiu-Jitsu and Fitness
4.9 ★★★★★ 570 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Nashville MMA Training Camp
4.9 ★★★★★ 549 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Memphis Judo Jiu Jitsu
4.9 ★★★★★ 504 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Brazilian Vale Tudo
5 ★★★★★ 366 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Team Randori Martial Arts
4.9 ★★★★★ 256 reviews
Gracie Barra Boca Raton Jiu Jitsu & Self Defense
4.8 ★★★★★ 260 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Quintella MMA
5 ★★★★★ 246 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Family-friendly MMA academy offering martial-arts classes like muay thai boxing, judo and BJJ.
Revolution Dojo Houston
4.9 ★★★★★ 216 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Gym offering martial arts, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai boxing instruction.
Supermaster Kim Taekwondo & Judo
5 ★★★★★ 203 reviews
Viper Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu | Judo MMA Fitness
4.9 ★★★★★ 205 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Hawaii Judo Academy
5 ★★★★★ 199 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Grappler Station
5 ★★★★★ 190 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
What members say about beginners
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“Very friendly staff - Good for all levels including beginners who have never done martial arts - The coaches will help you learn the basics before jumping into matches with others.”
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“Took trial all levels and fundamentals Muay Thai class and both were great!”
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“The organization, quality of instruction, variety of training disciplines, and facilities are perfect for all levels of hobbyists or competitors.”
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“Coach Lucas and his students take training very seriously, but also have incredible patience for all skill levels.”
Find beginner judo classes by state
- Mobile, AL
- Beginners in Arizona
- Fayetteville, AR
- Beginners in California
- Beginners in Colorado
- Beginners in Connecticut
- Wilmington, DE
- Washington, DC
- Beginners in Florida
- Beginners in Georgia
- Beginners in Hawaii
- Beginners in Idaho
- Beginners in Illinois
- Beginners in Indiana
- Beginners in Iowa
- Topeka, KS
- Beginners in Kentucky
- Beginners in Louisiana
- Beginners in Maryland
- Beginners in Massachusetts
- Beginners in Michigan
- Beginners in Minnesota
- Beginners in Missouri
- Beginners in Montana
- La Vista, NE
- Beginners in Nevada
- Manchester, NH
- Beginners in New Jersey
- Beginners in New Mexico
- Beginners in New York
- Beginners in North Carolina
- Fargo, ND
- Beginners in Ohio
- Beginners in Oklahoma
- Beginners in Oregon
- Beginners in Pennsylvania
- East Providence, RI
- Beginners in South Carolina
- Sioux Falls, SD
- Beginners in Tennessee
- Beginners in Texas
- Beginners in Utah
- South Burlington, VT
- Beginners in Virginia
- Beginners in Washington
- Beginners in West Virginia
- Beginners in Wisconsin
- Casper, WY