Dakota Budokan an outstanding Judo dojo. There is a generous offering of class times for children and adults, and a very inexpensive monthly membership allows you to attend as many of these as you want (including classes in Japanese Jiu Jitsu, and Karate). The dojo is modestly sized and clean. Everyone -senseis, students, and parents, are warm and welcoming. The style of Judo taught here is best described as freestyle. Practice is a roughly equal mix of standing throws (nagi waza), and ground-based submission grappling (newaza). Most Judo dojos focus heavily -if not exclusively, on nagi waza, which is great if you want to compete in Olympic-rules judo. DB's balanced approach keeps class from getting stale, and provides a superior education in self-defense, as you will become equally comfortable standing or on the ground. I write this review from two perspectives: as the father of three grade-school boys, and as an adult student with prior martial arts experience. FOR PARENTS SEEKING TO ENROLL CHILDREN: My children have attended for two years. They are tired but happy by the end of class. It's a nice mix of cardio, stretching, and strength training, followed by drills on specific techniques. The lesson usually ends in sessions of randori (sparring, or live-wrestling), which despite being the most exhausting, is the most eagerly anticipated segment. Both senseis are exceptional with kids (one is an elementary school teacher), and the kids adore them. The mood is fun but disciplined. Classes may occasionally open with a rowdy game of tag, but when the sensei requests that the kids line up and be quiet, the kids learn to comply, as extra push-ups or the occasional time out will follow commands that go unheeded. If you are not okay with disciplining your offspring, this is not the dojo for you. Advancement through belt ranks is slow. This is a good thing, as Judo requires a lengthy period of study and refinement to achieve mastery. There are no 12 year-old black belts here. The reward lies in realizing that the techniques they have learned actually work against an actively resisting opponent. Submissions are not taught to children until they are suitably mature (at the sensei's discretion) in the interest of personal and public safety. If your child is a wrestler, there is no better activity to enroll them in than Judo. It explores a plethora of techniques that get little to no attention in school wrestling programs, and it is done in an environment that offers more one-on-one time with the instructors -and in my opinion, under a lot less pressure than you find in most wrestling programs. This gives the child a place to continue learning and to stay in shape without feeling like they are in a year-round meat-grinder. FOR ADULTS SEEKING TRAINING: An hour of grappling here is an extremely intense workout; I would put it well above anything else you could do for exercise this side of distance running or crossfit (and I promise you that throwing someone over your shoulder is way more fun and satisfying than box jumping). Students hail from a diverse range of backgrounds, but they all share the same goals: learn and practice the art, and take good care of their training partners. The competition is brisk in randori. No one is going to let you win, which makes it all the more satisfying when you do. There is no maliciousness among the students, even in the toughest of matches. Like any other vigorous sport, injuries can happen, but they are never intentional, nor accidental as the result of recklessness. This is a very safe place to train hard. The quality of the instruction here is second to none. Sensei Walker's quiet and humble disposition belies his encyclopedic knowledge of the art. He is the dojo's owner, and is present to teach and participate in most classes. Sensei Dang studied for many years under Sensei Walker, and yet his teaching approach differs substantially from his mentor's, providing additional breadth and interest in instruction. You will come away from a class with something new every time you attend, regardless of who is teaching. One of the most unique aspects to training here is that the instructors will frequently participate in randori with their students. I cannot emphasize enough how incredible this is as a student. The majority of martial arts studios are run by senseis who are knowledgeable, but teach only as a third-party non-combatant. To be personally defeated by your instructor, who will then immediately teach you the technique he used, or identify the flaw in your game that he exploited, is an immeasurably beneficial resource in advancing one's understanding of the art. It is one of many reasons that I train here, but it is also one of my favorites. If you are looking for excellent instruction, healthy competition, a mentally engaging 2000 calorie workout, good friends, or a good time, you will find them all at Dakota Budokan. read more

I have been training here for several years as an adult. The instruction is excellent and I enjoy the comradary with my training partners. As a side benefit the fitness I get from judo is excellent and much more functional than other programs. Due to a busy schedule and life events I am unable to attend as often as I have in the past but the class schedule allows several options. Also the more advanced students accommodate to different skill levels. So newcomers of all levels are welcome. I have 2 daughters (aged 11 and 9) that have recently began training here also. I initially made them so they can learn a method of self defense. It turns out they love it and can't wait to go to class. The instructors are great with kids. I would highly recommend this school for any child. read more

Family environment, top-notch training, community support, and the worlds kindest sensai!

In my experience, looking for the right Dojo to train at can be a little discouraging. There's a lot of dojos out there to choose from. The Dakota Budokan is an amazing place to train, learn and grow as a martial artist. The DB has a very welcoming atmosphere. The dojo itself has that traditional martial arts look and feel to it! The students and instructors are friendly and welcoming. The instructors at DB are extremely talented and knowledgeable! The instructors focus on the techniques not the hype, they are really humble in that way. Both instructors are very patient and understanding. They work great with children and adults of all age's. The Dakota Budokan offer's a large variety of classes and class times. They have freestyle Judo, Ju Jitsu, Submission Grappling, Karate, two types of Yoga and last but not least Boxing! The monthly fee's are very affordable. You definitely get your money's worth at the Dakota Budokan! I highly recommend the Dakota Budokan to everyone! read more

A great place to train judo, karate and submission wrestling. A lot of class times to work around any busy schedule. You really get your money's worth and it is a very affordable dojo. Instructors are very knowledgable and work with all skill levels. Even if your just trying to shed some pounds it is a great place to get the dreaded cardio in, while having some fun. read more

I love this place and have been taking my kids for over a year. Everyone from the kids, to the senseis, to the parents are great and get along well. Highly recommend for folks looking for martial arts training and self discipline. read more

The location: A medium sized unit, dominated by the mat space - but that's what you would want in a martial arts school. There is a small waiting area in the main room where family/friends can watch class if they choose. There are restrooms and a changing space available just off the main area, so you can come and leave in your street clothes and pack your gi/workout clothes. Restrooms, mat area, and changing area are always clean. Plentiful off-street parking - however it is split the parking lot with nearby businesses so if the other businesses in that building have a busy day you might not get the spaces directly in front of the entrance - but in the nearly 3 years I've been coming to practice here I've never had to park outside of the lot. Classes/programs offered: I practice the Adults' Judo/Jujitsu here; the majority of the descriptions that follow are primarily focused on that. There are, however other offerings from this school - there are also Kids' Judo/Jujitsu, Karate classes, an exercise form of yoga, and I occasionally hear of private lesson students practicing boxing or MMA-focused martial arts training but I can't speak to specifics on any of those (I mention it in this review to make the point that if you're looking for something this, contact the dojo and ask for specifics... there's a lot offered here.) Judo/Jujitsu classes - Currently the judo and jujitsu are taught hand-in-hand... and cross over with one another. As others have mentioned, it is a 'freestyle' variant - not focused purely on sport or competition rules. This being said, occasionally competitions do come up and if someone wants to enroll and compete, classes in the run-up to the event do tend to focus on preparing those who choose to participate. Adults Judo classes are currently held 5 times per week to accommodate various types of schedules. (Currently the schedule consists of two weekday morning classes, two weekday pm classes, and a Saturday afternoon class). Cost is very reasonable, paid on a monthly basis - write one check and attend as many judo classes per month as you feel appropriate for your schedule - I've never felt pressured to attend more or less often. The tone of the class is serious, yet fun. The instructors are always positive, provide lots of individual attention, and make sure your class is safe and productive. Judo can be made to accommodate all types and limitations - and no one is forced to do a technique or exercise they feel they aren't ready for. This is not to say it won't be challenging. You will be asked to push your boundaries and improve with every class, but it is always done safely and everybody here understands that everyone learns at their own pace. The flow of each class can vary - but typically it starts with a group warm-up and exercise, then a technique study, and if we have time at the end we allow for some free-practice of one sort or another; typically Randori or grappling matches. Randori is a free-from one on one match starting in standing positions in which one attempts to throw to the ground, and submit their opponent. Rounds are typically allowed to proceed until one party submits or 'taps out'; matches typically continue without regard to competition-style points scoring. Our ground-only grappling matches are more common on days with larger classes, so more people may safely participate at once - in this scenario two people start from the ground and attempt to submit their opponent; again without regard for competition style scoring. These free-form practices are some of the most fun and exhausting workouts that can be had; I lost 40 pounds since I started doing judo and all my habits remained more or less similar to what they had been before - I credit this to Randori. All and all this is a great place to train. If you're at all interested I'd say come try out a few classes and see how you like it. The instructors and other students are always helpful, and make sure you have a safe and fun time learning a great art that can really whip you into shape physically and mentally. read more

An amazing place to train and learn! I would recommend anyone who is a beginner or an experienced martial artist to come down and check out the dojo. The instructor is very knowledgeable and extremely approachable which is a plus. read more