Seni Judo Club
About
Seni Judo Club in Hartford, CT offers instruction in multiple martial arts disciplines, including judo and MMA, catering to both adults and children. The gym is led by a team of experienced instructors: Founder Kenneth Miarecki, Head Instructor Israel Lopez, and Instructor Barak Yalad. Lopez Sensei brings extensive credentials, including a 6th Dan in Seni-Ryu Budo and a 3rd Dan in Judo, along with practical experience from security work, allowing him to teach techniques for competition, testing, and real-world self-defense. The club provides a well-rounded grappling education that emphasizes both throws and ground techniques at a price point members find significantly more affordable than nearby BJJ schools.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the patient, professional, and clear instruction from Sensei Lopez, who helps students master techniques for competition, testing, or self-defense. They highlight the well-rounded grappling education that includes both throws and ground work, noting it is significantly more affordable than nearby BJJ schools. Reviewers describe the gym as highly active and awesome, with great classes for both adults and kids, and appreciate the invaluable life skills like falling safely. Specific coaches are mentioned by name, with no concerns raised in the reviews.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Jamie Ehrets
2 years ago
Highly recommend! Been coming for close to a year now, twice a week and love it. Come check it out. Adult and kids classes are great.
Sean G
2 years ago
Been taking the adult classes and enjoying thoroughly. Great judo instruction for self defense, competition, or personal growth. In addition to Judo Lopez Sensei has extensive experience in multiple martial arts as well as life experience from working as a bouncer and security in the past. If you want the technique for competition, the test, or the one for the street/self defense, Lopez Sensei can show you the nuances for each application. This Judo club also emphasizes ground techniques in addition to throws. You will get a well rounded grappling education and experience here at a price that is significantly more affordable than any of the nearby BJJ schools. He also offers Judo classes to children as well.
Trish G
2 years ago
Sensei Lopez is a patient, and professional teacher. He explains/demonstrates things clearly and will always help a student master any technique being shown.
Joe
5 months ago
How is there a great, highly active Judo school out in the sticks? Nobody knows, but it's here and it's awesome! Judo is an amazing martial art and sport for both kids and adults alike. The skills gained (such as falling safely) are invaluable for life as well as martial arts.
Thomas Ogden
6 months ago
Great place to learn / train.
Contact
2 Brookfield Rd, Brimfield, MA 01010, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Wednesday: 4:30 – 7:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Friday: 4:30 – 7:30 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
Kenneth Miarecki
Founder
Sensei
Established Sen-I Judo Club in 1990.
Israel Lopez
Head Instructor/Sensei
6th Dan Seni-Ryu Budo, 4th Dan Taiho Jutsu, 3rd Dan Judo, USJA Certified Coach
Writer/producer of Martial Maze podcast. Over 40 years martial study. Received Menkyo (license) of Sensei in Seni-Ryu Budo in 2004.
Barak Yalad
Instructor/Shidoshi
5th Dan Bujinkan Taijutsu, 3rd Dan Budo Taijutsu/Shinobijutsu, 1st Dan Kajukenbo
Co-host/producer of Martial Maze. 40 years experience. Trained in Hapkido, boxing, Karate, Kajukenbo, Vee Arnis Jitsu, Chinese Kenpo, Aikijitsu.