Houston Judo Academy

Started judo at Jason Morris Judo Center. I moved to Central Texas area for work. I tried Judo in the Austin and Dallas area but wasn’t able to find the same quality as Jason’s gym until I found Houston Judo Academy. This club has good judo. If you are looking for good judo in Texas you have to train here.

I visited Houston and was lucky to attend some classes as a guest of coach Pedro. I am very much out of shape and he accommodated me to his class allowing me to do what I could. His class was very welcoming and focused. His judo classes are much longer than other places because everything he does, from warmups, stretches, and post workout rehab, all tie into what makes a great class. His classes are very detailed and his knowledge will help you take your Judo to the next level, he covers very intricate details of hand placement, foot placement, body weight distribution and shift that you will not find anywhere else. If I lived in Houston this is definitely the place I would train at.

There is only 1 true place to train in Judo, that’s here at Houston Judo Academy! Coach Pedro by far is a diamond-in-the-rough - highly educated in all aspects from training both judo and personal fitness, dietitian, sports psychology, overall plethora of general knowledge, but what dominates all of the talents Coach Pedro has, by far is “passion for people, education, and sports.” His sessions are not easy but for the most part, coach Pedro is out there leading by example. If there were more stars, I would add more. Lastly, he’s now training my son in wrestling - I have full confidence that Coach Pedro, with the right student mind, can train anybody to become a champion. I came to HJA to learn judo so I can use it in my attempt to win gold at the US Open in April and will continue to train underneath Coach Pedro until I win Gold.

Fantastic club, coach and students. Was looking for a strictly Judo club in the Houston area and this club is excellent. Instantly made me feel welcome and comfortable. Coach and students alike are dedicated and have a true passion for the sport. If you're looking to improve your takedown game or just get stuck into Judo I would highly recommend this club.

Pros: Great coach (looking at you Pedro), individual attention and loads of fun. Be prepared though, their workouts are a soul-killer, but great if you want to lose weight and increase stamina fast. Trained with them for more than 3 years (special high five for Corneil). Not doing it now due increase in work and family commitments. Con: I wish they did more newaza and teach different techniques once in a while for a well rounded judo experience.