About
Desert Judo in Phoenix offers training in both MMA and judo disciplines, providing a comprehensive martial arts experience. The gym features multiple black belt senseis who focus on helping students hone their techniques and skills. Classes typically include time dedicated to ukemi (falling techniques), technical instruction, drilling, and randori (sparring) for those who are ready. With a monthly fee of just $30 and no contracts required, the gym offers exceptional value, and beginners can even borrow a gi when starting out. The facility also offers separate kids classes, though these tend to book up several months in advance.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the positive environment and helpful instructors, with multiple reviewers describing the gym as an undiscovered gem. They appreciate the multiple black belt senseis who focus on technique development and the willingness to help beginners learn proper falling skills. Specific mentions include the exceptional value at $30 per month with no contracts, the ability to borrow a gi when starting, and the passionate instructors who make students fall in love with judo. One negative review criticized the character of some students and instructors, mentioning threats from a student named Muhammad and poor sportsmanship, while also noting the small facility size.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Jose Aguirre
2 years ago
Very positive environment & wonderful people to train with. The teachers & students are always willing to help beginners improve their techniques and show them the ropes. Definitely a good place to start and get your toes wet. Learning how to fall is the greatest skill you can obtain and the throwing aspect will follow through. Get knocked down 7, get up 8. By far the greatest lesson you can find here. Never stop trying.
Evan Fairbanks
4 months ago
I am incredibly grateful to have trained at Desert Judo for the past year and a half. This place is a true undiscovered gem and I feel obligated to get the word out as much as I can. Each class is run by multiple black belt senseis who all are focused on how to help you hone your technique and skills. The classes feature time focused on ukemi, technique, drilling, some activities here and there, and randori (sparring) at the end for those who are ready for it. And the fee? Just $30 per month. For Glendale residents, it's even cheaper. Absolutely unreal value for the price. No contracts or any of that nonsense. You can even borrow a gi for a bit as you start out. I've really fallen in love with judo thanks to this place and the fantastic instructors who are all passionate about their martial art. Please check it out and train with us!
Martin M.
7 years ago
Really liked the classes, and the sensei/instructors are very helpful.
Mohammad Khorshidi
2 years ago
I’ve been participating the class for almost two years now. Great instructors, friendly environment, amazing people to work out with. I’m planning to take my kid there (there is a separate kids class too) but it’s all booked up several months ahead.
Lars Lee
a year ago
Really terrible club. I played competitively for about 8 years, several of my sensei were college players in Japan- So I have full confidence my judo is sound. I threw their ‘star pupil’ Muhammad and the sensei proceeded to pick apart my judo the next day. Muhammad made threats that he’s injure me in practice. This is not judo, this is just a collection of poor sports playing power games. I’d love to see any of their upper belts in tournament where they don’t have anyone to cry to. Thankfully, I paid no money, so I didn’t lose anything except the gas it took to get there. Poor quality instruction, poor character of the sensei and the students, and a very small facility come to think of it.
scheduleHours
Monday: 6:00 – 7:15 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 – 7:15 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 – 7:15 PM
Thursday: 6:00 – 7:15 PM
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed