BUILD Mental and PHYSICAL STRENGTH WITH JUDO

Controlling Opponents With Power & Grace

Our Judo classes provide students with the ability to defend themselves through utilizing their opponents’ power and force.

GENERAL INFORMATION

What is Judo?

Judo is a modern martial art that originated in Japan, focusing on throwing techniques, joint locks, and pins to subdue an opponent. It emphasizes using an opponent's force and balance against them, making it accessible for practitioners of all shapes and sizes.

Training in Judo involves rigorous practice of techniques, sparring, and learning the principles of safety and respect. Over the years, Judo has gained significant popularity, both as a competitive sport and a method of self-defense. Its inclusion in the Olympic Games and various international competitions has showcased its effectiveness and athleticism, while its self-defense applications make it a valuable skill for personal security and confidence.

Why Should I Learn Judo?

Build Character and Discipline

With its rich history and active techniques, Judo is a practice that helps individuals defend themselves and grow personally. Through training, our Judo classes seek to instill important values such as respect, perseverance, and humility.

Improved Strength & Conditioning

Our Judo program provides many benefits beyond fitness, like better mental discipline and self-defense skills. We emphasize technique over strength, using balance and leverage to throw and subdue opponents.

Great for Competition & Self-Defense

Students who practice consistently will have the confidence to employ what they’ve learned in any context—whether in a tournament or in real-life. Our Celtic Judo team, run by head coach Wayne Dickinson, has seen numerous successes in tournaments across the country and the globe.

Coach Wayne Dickinson discussing technique with martial arts students
Coach Wayne Dickinson grappling with female student in a judo class

WHAT OUR STUDENTS ARE SAYING

  • I’ve had the pleasure of training here in Sanda, BJJ, and a bit of MMA. All of the coaches are helpful and positive people with tons of experience. There’s classes for everyone whether you want to just get a workout in or are looking for full contact competitions. I came with no martial arts training from a typical sport background and learned a ton here. Special shout out to Ty and Marco, but all coaches and teachers are terrific!

    – Andrew Camacho

  • I’ve been doing Sanda Kickboxing for four years and have since fought in a number of competitions as part of the Fight Team. The quality of the instruction and the community have made my time here the most positive martial arts experience I’ve had in my life. Ty Wesley is a phenomenal coach and I recommend his Sanda classes for anyone trying to get into kickboxing.

    – Chris S.

  • Both of my boys have been coming to EP Martial Arts for 5 months now. I love the variety of different arts taught (for one low price) and that there is a class 5/6 days a week to keep them busy. Each class not only teaches them different techniques but discipline and they do not let the kids goof off during class. EP Marital Arts was EXACTLY what I was looking for and would highly recommend them!

    – Tonya Gloria

  • Great school that’s closeby. Bart runs the Krav Maga and Sifu Ty teaches the SanShou, Wing Chun and kids Kung Fu. Great school to learn self defense and martial arts. If you're into competition they will support you and take you there. Very friendly people and school.

    – Stefan Fischer

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Coach Wayne Dickinson in a blue gi uniform standing in front of tournament banner
Coach Wayne Dickinson grappling with opponent at Judo tournament

steve croteau

Steve is a USA Judo certified coach and a 5th degree black belt (Godan). Having competed on a national and global scale, Steve is also the founder of the Celtic Judo Club, which has gone on to win numerous championships.

MORE ABOUT STEVE

Book Your First Free class.

Take the first step towards becoming stronger by signing up for your first free class at EP Martial Arts. Join our supportive community and empower yourself with the confidence, discipline, and skills you need.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS

Don’t see your question here?

We’re eager to answer your questions! Please feel free to contact us at info@epmartialarts.com.

  • All students need the following items:

    • Judo Gi

    • Judo Belt (White for beginners)

    Students will not be allowed to spar unless they have…

    • Mouth guard

    • Jock cup

    We have most of these items ready for you at our store.

  • Our judo classes require a “gi” or uniform for training.

    Visit our store for any of your apparel needs!

  • No one has to spar if they don't feel comfortable! Typically, we require any new students to come to class consistently for at least 6 months before they're allowed to spar. Even then, it will always be up to their comfort level.

    The only exceptions to this are…

    • Students have had prior sparring experience.

    • Both the student and instructor agree that the student is ready to spar.

    If you have any other questions or concerns about sparring, please talk with your instructor.

  • Unless a new student has had previous martial arts training, we require any new students to have trained with us for at least a year—including sparring in class—before signing them up for competitions or tournaments. Aside from coming to class, students who want to compete will be assessed based on their level of technique and fundamentals.

    Competitive fighting of any sort is highly risky to anyone's health, and should be considered with the utmost care. While we applaud and support anyone who wants to compete in local fights or martial arts tournaments, we put a priority on safety before anything else.

    For anyone to be eligible for competitions, they must meet the following requirements:

    • Must be no younger than 16 years of age.

    • Must have proof of health insurance (either parent/guardian's or own policy)

    • Must have their own gear and equipment that is up to the organization's standards