I have my 2 sons and myself there 3 times a week. The judo training is intense as many compete on national levels. Since there are many ages of kids, the younger ones can watch the older ones and have a good sense of what to expect and look forward to in their years ahead. And the teenagers transition very well into adults as this process continues. It's very rare to see a judo school have this type of coherent developmental structure. With Sensei Saro and Sensei Prangishvilli, there is a wide range of judo styles (from traditional to Georgian) to create a comprehensive skill set. The adults mix with competing teenagers so cardio training is robust along with technical training in both tachi-waza (standing) and ne-waza (ground work). Randori tends to be quick and nimble. And all levels mingle well and respectfully so any judoka can practice and learn in a safe and educational atmosphere. And at the end of each class, I always see a lot of satisfied smiles. read more

IJC is more than a judo center it is a family. My son has been going here for 2 years and it is the best decision I have made for him. Aside from the great workout, he's learning the art of Judo at his own pace and skill level. Sensei Saro is more than a teacher or instructor. He is a mentor who understands each child's strength and weakness and helps them build their confidence through the art of Judo. Each child is different and has different needs. For my son Judo is helping him keep his weight in check, he's building strength and endurance through Judo, and above all he is happy! Sensei Saro is a very special person who my son respects, listens to and appreciates. The center itself is brand new, impeccably clean and spacious. They also have rope and rock climbing that the kids all love. If you haven't given Judo a try you must try IJC to see what an amazing environment it is. You will not be disappointed. read more

One of the best decisions we have made as a family, signing our 3 boys to Judo, under Sensei Saro. This is truly a family place. From the moment you walk into the dojo, to the moment kids coming out of it, you can expect everyone sweating, working hard and at the end of day smiling from what was an incredible session. We love everything about this dojo. All my three boys ages 7, 10, and 12 have been part of IJC for many years now. Year to year this place sustains its professional manner and the immense amount of individual care for every student. Kids develop here both physically and emotionally in the most impactful ways. Sometimes it is surprising how the sensei can share so much dedication to each and every of his students. A decision I made a few years ago and I grow more and more confident in the right choice I made for my kids. read more

For many years I was looking for the perfect martial arts school for my son and I finally found it. It has been 5 years since my son was introduced to the martial art of Judo with Sensei Saro. Our experience with this school has been amazing. Judo has played a very positive role in my son's development physically, mentally and also morally. I have to confess that it has changed his life for the better. Sensei Saro has been the most dedicated, loving, and caring individual. He treats his students with the utmost respect and has high expectations for all of them. He believes in them and in their ability to do better (in and out of the dojo). As a parent I could not have asked for anything more. International Judo Center is an amazing place and I strongly recommend it for all children (boys and girls) during their developmental years. read more

This dojo is SO MUCH MORE than just a judo club! It is a unique set-up where children are encouraged to do well academically, physically, and socially! As a New York City science teacher and mother of a "judoka" I highly recommend IJC! Our Sensei is a mentor to our children. He teaches them the judo philosophy, how to be good athletes, as well as great human beings. We are truly blessed to be part of this amazing JUDO family. We could not have asked for anything more. My son is 19 1/2 years old (a sophomore in college) and IJC has shaped who he is! He's been attending IJC with Sensei Saro for over nine years and judo has become a big part of his life. His Sensei and judo have turned my son into a disciplined, healthy young man, with confidence and determination. It is with the utmost honesty and pleasure that I highly recommend IJC! read more

Being an educator myself, I have very high expectations of any instructional training my children receive. After changing more than 4 different martial arts schools, we have been fortunate enough to find IJC. The structure and the discipline that is utilized in this center has exceeded my expectations. This judo center brings out the best in every student. They don't only focus on teaching various judo techniques, but they also focus on overall development of self, which is an integral part of individual growth. The Sensei teaches kids to be responsible, self-sufficient and above all, confident. Respect for one another is valued and everyone is part of one team. My boys, ages 6 and 8, are eager to attend every class. I strongly recommend International Judo Center for kids, teens and adults. read more

As an adult, it sometimes feels like the best learning and growth that you can achieve is already behind you. That notion is wrong, and training at IJC proves that to me. Judo is a hard martial art to learn and yet I feel myself grow more proficient with every month that goes by. I have also become fitter as well. On my first day I watched other students do cartwheels, flips, and climb to the ceiling on a rope. I thought to myself "no, that part isn't for me, my time to do those things has passed". I can do many of these skills now and I see a clear path to do the skills I cannot do yet. These days I never see a feat of Judo skill or fitness I cannot reach; I know as long as I train at IJC I will get there. read more

My Grandson has been going to this Dojo for over three years. IJC is a very well organized, Dojo. Children as well teenagers and Adults are taught the true meaning of Judo, Respect is a true form of this art. We are family here and welcome all that come to join this Dojo. It is well kept and Sensi Saro is well known in his field,and teaches all to love Judo, Saro is also a Pan American Continental Judo coach as well a Pan American Judo referee. He is a teacher that knows all of his students abilities as well as their strengths Saro keeps a strong interest in how they are doing in school as well . Saro teaches with great skill and all enjoy their classes here at IJC, come and see our family read more

My twin boys started judo at a young age of 6. We didn't know how to feel or what to expect from this form of martial art. It was like nothing we've ever seen before. Fast forward 9 years later, they live, eat and breath Judo. It's engrained in my children's lives. Engrained to be a good human, engrained to respect, engrained to keep moving forward, engrained that anything is possible if you focus and believe in yourself and YES, of course, they also learn how to be fierce Judokas!! My twin boys are now on IJC's traveling team and although they love to kick butt, they love and cherish the friendships they make along the way. IJC is a true family unit, we are Blessed. read more

This dojo is recently renovated. It's clean and at a comfortable temperature. There's an area where parents can stay and watch (although not always recommended, so the kids are not distracted). Rock Climbing Wall and Rope climbing are great new additions! Kids love it. I am so happy that I signed up my son with IJC a little over 2 years ago. I didn't realize the positive impact Sensei Saro would have on my child until it started showing shortly after. Discipline, responsibility, confidence - beyond expectations! All children treat each other and adults with respect! We are always welcomed as a family. read more

Have been with Sensei Saro Balagezyan for over 6 years. His ability to lead the kids (ages from 4/5 to college ) is something to be admired. His knowledge in the sport, and sincere concern for the emotional, physical and academic state of his students allows a parent feel that their kid(s) are well taken care of. His staff is warm and welcoming. There's a sense of community and family even among the parents. It's a great place for kids to mature and learn discipline. I would recommend to anyone of all ages. There's adult class too. read more

We love our IJC!!! IJC is our second family!! We've been attending to IJC for over 3 years. The amount of effort Sensei Saro puts to make all these kids a better person and a better athletes is mesmerizing. He makes sure everyone gets his devoted attention during the classes. We are so happy to have found this great judo school that teaches our kids a great martial art and it also teaches them to be better people both inside the school and outside! Looking forward to making many more memories with our JUDO family!! read more

I first came to International Judo Center almost 10 years ago and I can honestly say it is one of, if not the best decision I have ever made. Training judo with Sensei Saro gave me discipline, confidence and most importantly a second family. I also became very physically fit and am now confident in my ability to defend myself. I look forward to going to Judo every single day and could not imagine my life without it. I genuinely could never thank Sensei Saro enough for the positive effect he has had on my life. read more

My children have been with this dojo for 3 yrs now. Their character has been so greatly enhanced by this judo family! We have tried several sports in the past, and judo has been the only one that both my children enjoy and now can't live without. They never miss a day because they feel badly after. Our sensei is a very accomplished individual and a great role model for our kids. All the people I have met through judo are of the highest character. IJC is our second home! read more

I've been going to IJC for the last 4 years and everyone at IJC have taught me many things, involving judo and outside of judo. Sensei Saro has bettered me as a person and as a judoka. Sensei Saro cares for all his students and always makes sure that we are doing well mentally and physically on a personal level and connects with us. All the judoka at IJC also make sure to create a welcoming environment to everyone new and old in order to enjoy the sport of judo together. read more

Amazing experience. After doing BJJ for a year I began learning Judo at this gym and it's much more intense and worthwhile experience. I leave every day sweating bullets and feeling like I accomplished and learned a lot. The sense of family is very strong here as well and everyone that has something to teach will teach and motivate you. Best investment I've made all year read more

It is my dojo. I love it. Join us. Great place for kids, teens and adults. I have great coaches, great staff who truly cares about the place, especially I have the greatest customers no matter their age with 4 year old youngest to 56 oldest. Everyone who signs up feels like a family member and share true love for the place read more

This is a family run Judo Center. My children have been training with Sensei Saro for several years. They have developed incredible Judo skills but more importantly discipline and respect. I would encourage any parent to send their children to develop their self-esteem. read more

Such an excellent new facility. The instructor is not only technically knowledgeable, but shows genuine caring and compassion towards his students. My son has been studying with Saro for years and he is more hard working and respectful as a result of studying Judo. read more