Scranton MMA

Judo Classes in Scranton

Scranton MMA offers Judo classes by highly trained instructors that have trained, competed, won, and coached at various national and international events. Many of our instructors hold multiple championships and are eager to assist with reaching your goals in whatever they may be.

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Scranton MMA offers Judo classes by highly trained instructors who have trained, competed, won, and coached at various national and international events. 

 

What is Judo?

Judo is a dynamic combat sport that involves both physical dedication and mental discipline. In a standing position, techniques allow you to lift and throw opponents onto their backs. From the ground, techniques allow you to pin opponents and apply various tactics until they reach submission. Although Judo is rooted in Jiu-Jitsu, the tactics differ.

Judo, meaning “Gentle Way” in Japanese, is a gentle form of combat that aims to cleanly throw, pin, and master the opponent by applying pressure to joints or neck. The goal is to reach maximum efficiency with minimal effort, invoking a code of mutual respect and good sportsmanship.

Judo aims to help students gain self-respect, confidence, and find healthy ways of expression through mastery using the natural laws of gravity, momentum, friction, and weight transmission.

Judo also blends together many of the same groundwork techniques from jiu-jitsu along with powerful throwing techniques such as the ones demonstrated by MMA Megastar Ronda Rousey and Two time Bellator tournament Winner Rick Hawn, which is why many of our students choose to train both judo and jiu-jitsu together, as they work hand in hand seamlessly.

 

Brief History of Judo

Judo was created in 1882 by Kano Jigoro Shihan in Japan. He was dedicated to integrating martial arts and transforming the traditional Jiu-Jitsu ideology of “defeating strength through flexibility” to “Maximum efficient use of mind and body.” In his personal life, he excelled in academics and overcame mental strain but fell short with his small physique. Kano felt as though this new discipline better met the needs of the modern fighter and most effectively used physical and mental strength.

Used as an educational method pulled from martial arts, Judo became an official Olympic sport in 1964. Judo is now recognized as an official combative sport internationally, with large followings in France, the US, and other European countries.

 

Benefits of Judo

  • Builds and tones muscle
  • Increases self-esteem and respect for others
  • Reduces risk of chronic health issues like obesity, osteoporosis, and heart disease
  • Nurtures trust, respect, better judgment, and mental resilience
  • Promotes teamwork and leadership
  • Helps those dealing with personal issues through lesser aggression, all while acquiring healthy coping skills and becoming more social.
  • Develop core strength and improved balance

 

Judo vs. Jiu-Jitsu

Judo places emphasis on standing techniques compared to ground techniques. Jiu-Jitsu, on the other hand, is heavily focused on grounded tactics with standing for self-defense. The majority of your time training in Judo is spent on your feet learning takedowns. In Jiu-Jitsu, time training is spent on the ground learning survival, defense, and attack tactics.

 

Judo classes near me

Scranton MMA is located in Dunmore, PA near Scranton/Wilkes-Barre/Dickson City, and offers Judo classes for all levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. If you are interested in trying out our gym, fill out our contact form for a free class and experience all of the benefits of Judo.

Scranton MMA
4.8
Based on 66 reviews
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Brooke LambertiBrooke Lamberti
18:21 01 Feb 24
Might be a little biased writing this review, but Steve is genuinely the best instructor a student can have. The care and attention he gives to not only teaching proper technique, but also the wellbeing of the students, building connections, and helping them grow. Scranton MMA really is a community of people who truly are passionate about not just fitness and martial arts, but growing as people. I can’t say enough that if you’re interested in trying a class, test it out and see for yourself. --- to be honest, I took my first BJJ class this week, never having taken a martial arts class before, and couldn't have felt more welcome or comfortable trying something new. Thank you.
lauren goldenlauren golden
17:58 01 Feb 24
Scranton MMA is a top-notch facility. I worked with Scranton's instructor, Steve Polito, 4-5 days a week for years. In that time, I learned more about myself and the sport than I could have ever imagined.All of our sessions were physically and mentally challenging leaving me excited to come and work hard the next day. Steve is extremely knowledgeable and genuinely cares about his students. Training with Steve is an investment in yourself that will provide noticeable returns not only in martial arts, but also at work, with your friends and in how you handle yourself as a person. I would highly recommend working with Steve and the Scranton MMA Team!
Marie SimsMarie Sims
23:51 25 Jan 24
Signed up on a whim to try a muay thai class recently, and I absolutely can't wait to start BJJ soon! Steve and the other people at Scranton MMA are great.
Franco ArdolineFranco Ardoline
16:53 25 Jan 24
My absolute favorite instructors for jiu jitsu, Muay Thai and MMA!!! I’ve trained 7 years at Scranton mma and over a decade in all. Many teachers in many different states even. The time and dedication that is given to make sure each student is grasping what is being taught has no comparison. The honor and camaraderie developed here create growth throughout your life.
Zach RoditskiZach Roditski
19:00 24 Jan 24
Scranton MMA does an amazing job teaching students of all levels. With an approachable staff and curriculum focused around proven methods, it is the most suitable gym for anyone looking to get started or continue their martial arts journey. The Muay Thai class has been a great introduction to MMA, being self-paced and having time for individualized instruction made starting out easy and enjoyable. Can’t wait to start the Jiu Jitsu class and continue with this gym!
Yulissa EscarramanYulissa Escarraman
21:29 23 Jan 24
as someone who was, and still is, extremely new to the world of MMA, the instructors at Scranton MMA have done a great job at explaining the importance of technique, movements, and safety while training. super welcoming and talented group of people, which made it very easy to settle in and get excited about training every week. highly recommend to anyone considering taking classes... Scranton MMA's approach to teaching is unmatched!
Danielle LDanielle L
19:10 23 Jan 24
As someone who has never done martial arts before (but was always eager to), Scranton MMA has been an absolute joy to attend. They really do a fantastic job of teaching students of all levels and advancing you no matter what stage you’re at. I have been doing lots of the Muay Thai classes and look forward to the jujitsu, too! Very professional, organized yet very friendly and personable. I’d recommend anybody to Scranton MMA. Steve obviously knows what he’s doing and he’s incredibly inspiring to learn from.
Lenny HolevaLenny Holeva
19:11 19 Jan 24
Scranton MMA has taught me a great deal when it comes to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, and MMA within the last 7 years. The owners and the current instructors put in the extra effort in explaining what is being taught, why you are doing it, and take the extra time after class to help if you need it. Coming from a more introverted type of person I had anxiety when I first signed up, but the people and community were so welcoming they made me always feel included which created a great atmosphere, for me. I suggest Scranton MMA to anyone interested in learning self-defense, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, or MMA.
Mitchell KowalchickMitchell Kowalchick
17:58 19 Jan 24
Since joining Scranton MMA, I've learned much more than just BJJ, Muay Thai, and Judo. It truly is an exercise for the mind, ego, and respect. The classes are orchestrated in a way that accommodates all skill levels, making everyone feel comfortable. Moreover, the staff cares about you as an individual, structuring your training in a personalized manner. The more time you invest, the more evolved and targeted your training becomes. I can't express enough how fantastic this place is! Thank you.
dangred browndangred brown
17:19 12 Dec 23
A great place to learn and train Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and MMA. The classes are well structured and the price is extremely cheap for all that you get. It's easy to access, right off the Casey, in Dunmore and less than a few minutes from Scranton. Highly recommend.
Isidro AcostaIsidro Acosta
15:55 18 Apr 23
Devan FrantzDevan Frantz
19:03 12 Mar 23
I’m giving this place five stars to cover up the ignorant bad reviews I haven’t actually gone here yet but I plan too.
Joseph MaskalJoseph Maskal
23:21 21 Sep 22
I recommend anyone and everyone to join this gym, very clean, very nice people between the teachers and students, very informative. It feels like giant family. Even tho I can no longer attend due to me moving I will forever recommend this place.
Lorelei PetryLorelei Petry
00:18 22 Jan 22
Amazing place! The staff are all very nice and it's clean. My son goes here for Jiu Jitsu and Kickboxing. The instructors are great and taylor the classes to each person's strengths and weaknesses. Convenient location right off the highway too!
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