Gracie Judo Club
About
Gracie Judo Club in Denver offers both MMA and judo training with a coaching team that includes highly credentialed instructors. Head instructor Grace Jividen, a 7th degree black belt and US Olympian, leads the program alongside other experienced coaches like Jerry Armstrong, a 6th degree black belt, and several other black belt instructors. The facility is noted for being well kept and clean, providing a professional environment for training.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the welcoming family atmosphere and attentive coaching that makes everyone feel included. Many highlight significant improvements in children's confidence and self esteem, with specific appreciation for Head Instructor Grace Jividen's energy and Olympic background. Reviewers note the good sensei to student ratio and the balance between traditional and competitive judo training. However, one critical review expressed concerns about declining skill levels and unprofessional behavior among some instructors.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Tony Garcia
a year ago
Gracie Judo has done wonders for me and my kids! My daughter struggles with her self-esteem and confidence but after only one month at this dojo I have noticed serious improvement! She has made tons of friends and I am impressed with the level of attention given to each student. Also the facility is well kept and always clean 10/10 in my book!
JC
a year ago
Our kid has been coming to Gracie for a while now. Their Sensi teach on a volunteer basis and are very focused. They are tough and respectful. Judo is a difficult contact sport and they push for the students to do their best and bring out their inner champion. There is a strong family vibe to this Judo club. Grace is a ball of energy with a fascinating history and I feel that she does a great job running this club with safety in mind.
Crafty Criminalist With Ms. Z
7 years ago
This is the most attentive Judo Club in Colorado. They take care of your Judo needs and make you a well rounded judo player. They make everyone feel welcome and no one is left out, ever! This club is a great mixture of competition and traditional judo. The classes have a good Sensei to student ratio. This is a great Judo Club!
Janine Runfola
a year ago
Gracie was my coach back in the late 1990's. Within two years multiple kids and adults were competing at the national level and winning. Six months ago I started judo again with Coach Gracie and it has been fabulous. The dojo has a family feel and has been really welcoming with me coming back. The coaches are great at providing opportunities for all levels and ages to learn. I'm so glad I came back to judo with Gracie. I highly recommend Gracie Judo Club for all levels from little 4 year olds to adults.
becca nasso
a year ago
It was a terrible decision to go to Gracie Judo. My daughters had done competitive judo for years and after starting at Gracie Judo I watched their skill level go down drastically. I also did not like the amount of bad mouthing the instructors would participate in about the kids, parents, each other and other judo clubs. This is not the kind of role models I want for my children. Colorado has several excellent judo clubs, I would recommend going elsewhere.
Contact
8250 W Coal Mine Ave, Littleton, CO 80123, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 4:30 – 8:45 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 4:30 – 8:45 PM
Thursday: Closed
Friday: 5:00 – 8:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
Jeff Silverman
Pewee Instructor
1st degree black belt
Mike Severson
Youth Instructor
3rd degree black belt
Grace Jividen
Head Instructor
7th degree black belt, US Olympian (1992)
Began Judo at age 3. Accumulated 44 international medals. Participated in 1992 Olympics (7th place). US National Team member 1981-2004. Founded Gracie Judo Club in 2009.
Jerry Armstrong
Youth Instructor
6th degree black belt (Rokudan)
Began judo in 1962. Former Head Coach of the United States Air Force Academy judo team (1989). Senior coach for the National Judo Institute. Founded multiple dojos.
Joe Greene
Kata/Adult Instructor
3rd degree black belt
Began Judo training in 1980. Awarded Sho Dan (1st degree black belt) in 2002. Former assistant junior and youth instructor with Northglenn Judo Club.