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American Academy of Martial Arts and Judan Judo
Building champions through respect, discipline, and family since 1991.
5(5 reviews)
$
doctor
martial-arts
Comprehensive Judo training for kids and adults, covering throws, pins, and self-defense techniques in a safe, structured environment.
Expert Jiu-Jitsu lessons focusing on ground techniques, chokes, and armbars, tailored for self-defense and competitive practice.
Practical self-defense programs modified for all ages, genders, and abilities, taught by instructors with law enforcement backgrounds.
Martial arts classes for children and teens promoting discipline, respect, and confidence to support troubled youth and build character.
Specialized instruction in police tactics and defensive techniques, led by experienced instructors from law enforcement backgrounds.
Building champions through respect, discipline, and family since 1991.
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American Academy of Martial Arts and Judan Judo is a premier martial arts school in Toledo, OH, offering expert instruction in Judo and Jiu-Jitsu for all ages and skill levels. Founded in 1991 by nationally recognized black belts, we foster a tight-knit, family-like community focused on safety, self-defense, and personal growth. Our dedicated, volunteer instructors, including retired law enforcement and veterans, provide affordable, high-quality training in a supportive environment. Whether for competition, fitness, or life skills, we empower students with discipline and confidence.
Convenient practice sessions on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with options for extra mat time to fit busy schedules.
My children and I have been attending Judan Judo for years, and we absolutely love the tight-knit, family-like atmosphere. It’s truly an honor and a privilege to learn from such highly respected, nationally recognized black belts who selflessly volunteer their time and expertise. Their passion for teaching and dedication to every student is unmatched. They only charge enough to keep the doors open, which shows just how much they care about making Judo accessible to all. Judan Judo isn’t just a club—it’s a community built on respect, discipline, and heart.
This is a great place to train. All the instructors are nationally certified and only want the best for their students. Safety, discipline and teaching is the only thing I've seen from Judan. Every one cares about the students and want to be as helpful as possible. If you're looking for a great place to train this is it!
I have been under the training of the instructors here for 7 years. It has become a second home and family to me. I look forward to the next time I can go as soon as I leave practice. To majority of us when we walk in the doors everything going on outside is left behind, entering a place where you know you are surrounded by people who will love,care,mentor, and protect you. They are there to help you improve yourself inside the gym and out. The instructors are always accommodating to your needs in the training you want. A handful of the instructors have law enforcement back ground one in which who still works at the police academy (Instructor Russ) is always taking the initiative to teach self defense, Police tactics, Judo and Jiu jitsu. He has a passion for supporting the growth of the ones he has trained in the past and currently. You will always find him working along side his students rather than coaching from the side line. Sensei Neals is an amazing motivator in pushing yourself to the limits in order to show you the strength and confidence you never thought existed within yourself. Sensei Gary is the owner of the gym, full of knowledge from his life experiences. He is retired Law enforcement and Marine Veteran who is willing to share what he knows to those who ask even if it is not what we are currently learning. These instructors are highly motivated when it comes to teaching people how to protect themselves no matter your age,gender,size or if you have a disability. They will find ways to modify in order for the techniques to be most effective. These people are a life changer in so many ways to the fullest extent. I couldn't be more blessed for crossing their paths.
A Little History about Judan Judo. This Club has been around since 1991. Sensei Gary Monto, Gene Fodor, and Russel Burke have Dedicated endless time with our Troubled Youth of Toledo Ohio. I myself was once one of those troubled teens involved in gangs and with that came the street life. Since I've surrounded myself with the family of Judan Judo I have changed my Way of Life. Judo means (way of life). Not knowing when I first started the true meaning of Judo. It has shown in my everyday life as a adult. If You fall get back up, you fail get back up,you lose get back up if doesn't work re-adjust what ever it may be and do it till its right. And never walk into a situation full because you won'te be able to receive whats needed in life. I wanna thank these THREE MEN that are not only are my Sensei's "and I say this all teary eyed" they are like Father's I've never had. Thank you for helping me through this (way of life). And I would encourage anyone to join Judan Judo. Four of my Boys are practitioners of Judo, three of them are State Champion's. In Three different States and one is a 2nd place National champion. My oldest is working to become a Black belt with Judan Judo to add to his already long list of accomplishment in his cage fighting career. Thanks again Sensei's
Okay, I have been going here for over a year now and I have had the best experience here. I have made more than friends, a second family. Everyone here wants the best for you so if you want to do competitive judo or use it for just self defense you will learn a lot, you will learn a ton of stuff from throws, pins, chokes, armbars and more. They really take saftey precautions here, in your first week you learn falls and rolls so you don't hurt yourself. They always say, tuck your chin so you don't hit your head, and tell you to breathe on your way down so you don't hold your breath, if you do that you'll get the wind knocked out of you. They have taught me to stay safe, how to defend myself, and to have fun exercising. I have gotten a lot stronger, both mentally and physically. Also, I love how there are multiple teachers so they can show you multiple ways to do one technique, so if you can't do it one way, you can do it another! There is practice Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Tuesday and Thursday it is around 5:30 or 6 to 7 for the kids, and 7 to 8 for adults. Saturday it depends on when people are there, sometimes it will be a couple people exercising and working on what they need to on the mat. That's one of the best things about this place, you can train with whatever fits in your schedule. Saturday is Ju-Jitsu for adults and goes generally from 8:30 (the time I get there, and others come in 99% of the time but some have other things going on, one if our senseis teaches police officers so he can't make it sometimes or maybe someone will work late Friday and can't get up in time, it's fine. There is always next week), Tuesday's and Thursday there is Judo on the main mat but if you ever want to work on Ju-Jitsu there is a second mat and that is open for working on a specific move you want to with someone else or for extra practice. This club has definitely changed my life for the better. If you want to learn more, come in and talk to one of the senseis or a student and we will make sure your questions are answered.
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