Clear Expectations from Day 1 about the importance of Mindfulness, Respect, and Resilience. Our Goal is to create a safe environment for training while teaching a strong foundation of Martial Arts techniques, whether it is for competition, self defense, or personal benefit. We are proud to be a DETROIT area dojo. LEAVE YOUR ELECTRONICS AT HOME AND BRING OUT THE INNER JUDOKA IN YOU!
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Judo is a traditional Japanese martial art that uses standing throws, pins, and grappling techniques to subdue an opponent—demonstrating how a smaller, skilled practitioner can overcome a larger adversary. Through consistent training, students develop physical strength, flexibility, mental discipline, and genuine self-confidence.
Although judo practitioners are among the strongest martial artists in the world, what truly distinguishes them is not just physical prowess but an unwavering determination and clarity of mind gained from continually facing and overcoming challenges.
Known as “the Gentle Way,” Judo was founded by Dr. Jigoro Kano (1860–1938). Its lineage extends through three generations from Kyuzo Mifune to the instructors teaching today at IPPON Martial Arts.

Judo grappling shares many similarities with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), a martial art and combat sport centered around ground fighting, positional control, and submission techniques. In judo, this aspect of training—known as newaza—emphasizes practical, efficient methods for controlling an opponent once the action transitions to the ground.
Students practice grappling from a variety of positions, including kneeling, guard, side control, and back positions. These scenarios allow practitioners to build a solid foundation in balance, pressure, leverage, and movement. Over time, students learn how to escape inferior positions, secure dominant pins, transition smoothly between holds, and apply submissions safely and effectively.
Training takes place in a friendly, supportive, and appropriately challenging environment where partners learn to work together while still pushing one another to improve. Safety, respect, and progressive learning are emphasized at every level.
A judo grappling match typically concludes with either a clean submission—such as an arm lock or choke—or a 20-second pin. These clear objectives help students develop technical precision, strategic thinking, and confidence under pressure, making grappling an essential and rewarding component of judo practice.

Judo kata are structured, cooperative forms that reveal the deeper principles behind the art. Performed by two partners—Tori, who applies the technique, and Uke, who receives—it’s through kata that a judoka explores timing, precision, posture, and control. The seven main kata teach everything from self-defense and throwing mechanics to counters, submissions, and even defenses against weapons. Practicing them develops refined movement, sharp awareness, and a deeper understanding of Judo’s philosophy. For many practitioners, kata is the hidden path to becoming a truly complete judoka.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to enhance your technique, Ippon Martial Arts provides a supportive and motivating environment. Our teachers are certified with the three top U.S. and International martial arts organizations in the USA and Japan. Combined with over 15+ years experience in house, and most notably supported by professionals with over 50+ years experience, we have the oversight, safety, facility, and determination to care for our members.
Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve your personal goals, ensuring you and your children have the best experience possible.
Check out the most frequently asked questions about Ippon Martial Arts.
Still haven't found the answer?
Contact UsKodokan Judo. Judo consists of three specific area's of study.
1) Atemi Waza (striking techniques)
2) Nage Waza (throwing techniques)
3) Katame Waza (ground techniques which are further divided into pins, chokes, and joint locks)
There is also the study of kata which is a prearranged demonstration form involving two partners (Uke and Tori). Kata is practiced with a combination of Atemi Waza, Nage Waza, and Katame Waza in both armed and unarmed scenarios.
There is a small chance of injury in all martial arts (don't trust anyone who tells you differently). Our facility has a sprung floor and our curriculum practices falling in every class. A sprung floor is essential because it absorbs the impact of falls and throws, reducing the risk of injuries, and providing a more consistent, predictable surface for training and competition.
In a few words: because we are highly trained and motivated teachers to help you learn. Our sprung floor will keep you healthy and safe. Our dues are reasonable. You will be exposed to a broader scope of martial arts (striking, standing takedowns, ground pins, chokes, submissions, escapes). We'll also provide an atmosphere designed around traditional Kodokan Judo and Competitive Sport Judo.
A white or blue Judo GI is available for purchase once you become a member. Uniforms are available for purchase through our SHOP. A Judo GI is heavier and more durable than what is worn in other martial arts. Our uniforms are custom tailored with our schools logo. Our kids program requires participants to wear our white or blue uniforms (this is for safety and uniformity). Additional uniforms may be purchased at anytime. Adults may reuse a white or blue GI so long as it is not branded by another school or have been excessively modified from a standard uniform. A white Judo GI must be worn at all special guest visitation events.
As a career martial arts instructor and father of 2 girls, I cannot underscore how important it is to watch, encourage, and support your child in martial arts. Kids love a to see your excitement and receive your compliments!
We recommend at least 2 days a week in order to see progress (especially for kids). For those who really enjoy the program and want to get more serious about competing, 3-4 days a week would be best.
This question come up at every Dojo!
You as a parent will not need to tie your kids belt (our promise to you as instructors). Every kid who attends our class will be able to put on their uniform and belt by the time they reach their first promotion. For those who are still learning, here is a link to help you remember what we did in class.
Yes this is martial arts self care 101!
In short, this means mutual respect and welfare for the trimming of any long nails on both your hands and feet, as well as pulling your hair back during class. Sharp nails can cause cuts on the people you train with. A fresh clean uniform should be worn at class. Before stepping on the matt, you will want to remove any loose hanging jewelry. Small earrings on kids will be OK. Pro Tip apply sports tape around anything that is a concern (ears, cuts, fingers, or toes).