5 Best Judo Schools In The United States [What You Need To Know]

Judo is a traditional Japanese martial art. It spread across the world, first to Europe and then onwards throughout the rest of the world including America. Today, judo is one of just four sports that are included in every modern Olympic Games. To learn judo itself isn’t an easy task however learning via classes at judo schools makes it much easier. The following gives you information on how to find these training centers so you can get your judo lessons faster than ever before.

Judo is highly popular throughout American cities with many gyms featuring this type of activity as part of their sporting schedule for both adults and children alike. One top city for finding here is San Diego where there are not only judo schools but also martial arts classes too. To find one of these institutions, simply head to the official website for San Diego City and follow the links there. You will be able to see what they have on offer so you can decide if this is something which you would like further information on.

What Are Judo Schools? 

Judo schools are institutions that are famous for offering judo training to students. Some of these schools have become so popular throughout the world because many successful athletes were trained by them. Judo is a type of martial art that originated in Japan, and it is also an Olympic sport, which was introduced in the Summer Olympics in 1964. The founder of this form of wrestling was Kano Jigoro who lived between October 28th, 1868 until May 4th, 1938.

This martial art has many benefits both physical and mental health-wise. People who take part in it get to develop their muscles, joints, bones but also tendons and ligaments. They are better able to handle stress thanks to this, while it improves concentration abilities, which are very important in our everyday lives. Judo would be nothing without its great masters, who made this sport what it is now.

5 Best Judo Schools In The United States

1. Epic Judo Schools

Epic Judo Schools in Texas are available in Houston where anyone over the age of six months old is welcome to take part with no previous experience required. These institutions are run by expert instructors who give lessons via qualified professionals who are more than happy to instruct people online as well as offline. If you’re interested, then contact Epic Martial Arts today via their site for more details on how to get involved with this sport at their local facilities.

From the same source as above, Epic Martial Arts also has a website where you can find information on judo schools in Texas. To find it, simply click the link and follow the instructions there to learn about this martial art and how it can be beneficial for you to take up. Contact them today by using the form given via their website so they can get back to you with more information on how to enroll in these courses or what lessons are currently available for your viewing pleasure.

2. Judo Henry Stoneback

Henry Stoneback Judo school is located in Chicago. As you have probably guessed, Henry Stoneback himself is a former judo champion who wants to help everyone become at least as successful as him. He managed to earn three world championships and four national titles during his career, so he definitely knows what he’s talking about! If you are looking for an instructor who will motivate you every day of your life with his unstoppable enthusiasm, then Henry is your guy!

Offering classes for children (starting from three years old) all the way up to adults (including seniors aged 70+), this school welcomes anyone regardless of age or skill level. It even offers after-school programs for kids who want to spend more time with judo. This place truly is your one-stop-shop, where you can find all that you need to develop your skills!

And I haven’t even mentioned the location yet! This school has four locations in Chicago (Butler Fieldhouse, Morgan Park High School, Stagg High School, and Hirsch Community Academy) alone. With such a large number of students attending lessons at these places every day, there is no doubt about it – Henry Stoneback Judo is among the best judo schools in the USA!

3. Elite Judo Club America

Another great choice on the list of top judo schools is Elite Judo Club America located in the city of Houston, Texas. As its name implies, this school was created with the intention to help everyone reach that pro-level! There is no better coach than one who has been there and done that himself (at least not one who hasn’t retired yet). And you will definitely love Enrique Hernandez Jr., who has won several medals in international competitions and even has his own Wikipedia page .

You might want to take a look at the schedule before enrolling here – although they offer classes for children as young as three years old, it’s best for them to join at six or seven. This is how it works: kids between six and eight years old can train four days per week; those aged nine or ten can train five times per week and, finally, those aged eleven or twelve can train six times per week!

If you want your son or daughter to become a true judo champion, this school is definitely for them. But if you are an adult who wishes to study judo as well, then Elite Judo Club America will also treat you well. You should know that all classes here are taught by professional instructors who focus on developing their students’ skill level as much as they possibly can!

4. Susquehanna Judo Club

Susquehanna Judo Club is another great school which is located in the city of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Founded by Ralph Hata (an ex-national and international coach), this place focuses on teaching children how to love the sport of judo. Of course, they also offer classes for adults, so it doesn’t matter if you are a kid or an adult – you will find them both equally helpful!

If you have decided that you would like to enroll your child in one of these classes, then I suggest that you do so as soon as possible. There are just two age categories here: four-year-old kids can train twice per week while six-year-olds can train three times per week. Youngsters aged eight or nine can attend classes four days per week and those who are ten years old or older may go five times per week! Obviously, the eldest students (i.e., those aged fourteen or fifteen) can train six times per week.

5. Southern California Judo Academy

Another contender for the title of the best judo school in the USA is Southern California Judo Academy located in La Verne, California. Backed by the United States Judo Federation, this school has been committed to teaching students how to love and respect this wonderful sport since 1974! It would be a lie if I said that their success didn’t bring them any awards – they have won several dozens throughout the years!

Although not all classes are free (the apprenticeship fee will cost you $75), this additional fee is well worth it, because you will get access to special seminars and events where you can learn things that aren’t available in most judo schools. For example, when you attend Dan ranks testing (in this case, it’s the Rokudan, Sandan, Yondan, and Godan tests ), you will get the chance to learn new things that are not taught in lower dan rank classes!

Conclusion

If you are one of the many people who wish to be a judo champion but think that you need to go abroad to get the best education in this sport, then I have good news for you! There are several schools across America that could provide you with judo training at its finest. Furthermore, these judo schools are great not just because their trainers teach according to international standards, but also because they attract students from around the world. So prepare yourself for an action-packed experience while studying at one of these places!