Dakota Budokan an outstanding Judo dojo. There is a generous offering of class times for children…read moreand 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.

I have been training here for several years as an adult. The instruction is excellent and I enjoy…read morethe 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.

Hidden gem in Sioux Falls! Bruce (The Owner and Instructor)…read moreis a 2nd degree black belt in Jiu Jitsu (22 years) Muay Thai, Karate (22 years) and teaching MMA for 14 years. With a variety of programs for kids and adults, the academy has it all. Great instruction, amazing, clean facilities and a great group of students. Just blocks from downtown Next edge is a great place for locals or visitors to take their training to the next level!!!

From the owner: WE ARE We are Next Edge Academy of Martial Arts. We opened…read morein 2008 and haven't looked back since. Our goal is to continue creating a gym where people can be proud to be members. It doesn't matter if you are an 18-year-old looking to start in MMA or a 55-year-old looking for a new hobby. It doesn't matter if you are in shape or out of shape. We are a community and we are always looking for new members. We have helped members lose over 100 lbs, including the owner! We have also helped send fighters to the UFC. Again it doesn't matter if you are a hobbyist or you want to train as a pro. We have a spot for you.

Great place to train! Devin is a great instructor who has experience in what he's teaching.read more

From the owner: Whether you're a beginner or seasoned practitioner, we want to work with you to elevate your…read moreskills. Our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai instruction can help you learn the basics, improve on defense and offense, and help you get into great shape. We serve those in the surrounding Sioux Falls area (Tea, Harrisburg, Brandon, Hartford). We hope to see you on the mats!

As real as it gets. This is a true boxing gym without the hype and BS…read more Angelo and George run a pretty tight ship. If you want to learn some skills and get true appreciation for the art and science this is the place. If you think you want to be a pro then this is the place to test it out and discover if you have what it takes. Be prepared to work hard and be ready to receive honest and constructive feedback. One special note that needs to be mentioned is the outstanding kids program. I've seen kids come into the gym without much confidence or personality and mature into respectful and confidant young adults.

I was looking for a gym to sign up my 11 year old son and after making several calls I decided to…read moresend my son to 15th round boxing gym. After meeting George and Angelo boy was I glad to have my son train with them. Both are some good guys from Rhode Island. Very honest and genuine. They actually care and love what they are doing. Tough love is what you get but that's part of the game. Prices are very fair. We signed up for month to month plan for 150 month and that includes 4 days a week of training. If you pre-pay for several months in advance the monthly price drops. Parking is usually good and is available right in front of the gym. Seating is also available inside for parents to watch their kids. If you or your kids looking to get in shape or are serious about boxing give George a call. You won't regret it!