Judo for ages 3 to adult, every Tuesday and Thursday. Coached by people who love the sport.
Tuesdays & Thursdays · No experience, no kit, no payment. Just come and try it.
First class, Tue & Thu
Mini Judo, Juniors, Seniors
First session, no obligation
Class times
237 Villiers Road, WalmerArrive 10 minutes early for your first session.
About Us
A judo club in Walmer, Gqeberha, developing confident, disciplined and respectful individuals through the art of judo — for children and athletes of all abilities.
Welcome to MJ’s Judo Dojo, a judo club based in Walmer, Gqeberha, South Africa, dedicated to developing confident, disciplined, and respectful individuals through the art of judo.
Founded and owned by Marcial James Schroeder (MJ's) in 1978, MJ’s Judo Dojo was established with a passion for judo and a vision to create an environment where children and athletes of all abilities could learn, grow, and reach their full potential. The dojo focuses on more than just teaching throws and techniques; it strives to instil values such as respect, perseverance, self-discipline, confidence, and sportsmanship.
We offer judo classes for children from as young as three years old, helping beginners develop fundamental movement skills while providing more experienced judoka with opportunities to refine their techniques and pursue competitive judo.
At MJ’s Judo Dojo, we believe that judo is about more than sport. It is about building relationships, creating opportunities, and bringing people together through shared values and a love for learning judo.
We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where children from different backgrounds and with different abilities can develop confidence, build friendships, and feel that they belong. Through judo, our students learn to support one another, overcome challenges, and treat everyone with dignity and respect.
Our commitment extends beyond the dojo. We work with schools in Port Elizabeth, Jeffreys Bay and Patensie to introduce children to judo, encourage physical activity, and teach important life skills from a young age. Our classes help children develop coordination, balance, body awareness, discipline, and confidence in a fun and structured environment.
We also recognise the important role played by parents, families, coaches, and supporters. Their encouragement and involvement help create a strong foundation for our athletes to grow and achieve their goals.
From a child's first judo lesson to competing on the national stage, every journey matters to us. We are proud to be part of a community that encourages personal growth, celebrates achievement, and helps young people become stronger, more confident individuals.
At MJ’s Judo Dojo, we don't just develop judoka — we build character, friendships, and a stronger community.
Why Judo
Every session works both at once — no separate fitness and confidence classes.
Judo trains the whole movement system. Throws, pins and breakfalls build usable strength and fitness while refining how the body senses and controls itself.
The mat is a safe place to be challenged. Small wins — a clean breakfall, a new throw, a good round of randori — compound into confidence that follows you out the door.
Who it helps
Kids, adults and women train in the same supportive space, with coaching matched to the group.
Judo turns energy into control. Big movements build motor muscle development, while grips, belt-tying and footwork sharpen fine motor skills. Rolling and falling give sensory regulation and vestibular input — and games build balance, coordination and confidence.
Judo is full-body strength and fitness that never feels like a treadmill. Throws, pins and breakfalls build strength, balance and coordination, while learning new skills sharpens focus and confidence.
Judo builds strength and fitness without needing a gym background. You will develop balance, coordination and confidence, plus practical self-defence in a respectful, controlled environment.
The first thing you learn is how to fall. The second is how to get back up.
That is judo — and it stays with you.Class Times
Mini Judo, Juniors and Seniors — coached every Tuesday and Thursday in Walmer. All levels welcome.
Play-based movement, balance, listening skills and first gentle throws. A happy, safe start.
Book Mini JudoSafe falling, first throws, pins and dojo etiquette. The best place to start.
Book JuniorsSharper technique, randori and competition preparation for young judoka.
Book AdvancedFitness, technique, self-defence and sparring. All levels welcome.
Book Seniors
2026 Prices
Four programs, one clear monthly fee. All prices are per month for 2026, plus a R200 annual affiliation fee to the dojo. Your first session is always free.
Annual affiliation
One annual affiliation fee to the dojo applies to every program.
Family rate
Training as a family? Family rates are available for three or more people. Contact the coach to arrange.
Contact the coachCoaches
Our coaching team brings patience, technical detail and a genuine passion for Judo to every session — whether you're stepping on the mat for the first time or sharpening your competition game.
Head Coach
Coached provincially and nationally, and represented South Africa in Japan in 2025. Very patient, and loves seeing the kids' confidence grow.
Started Judo at age 7. Coaches provincially and nationally, and is dedicated to helping students grow and become stronger.
Known as a Judo “Legend”, with over 60 years in the sport. Has won several provincial and national competitions and travelled internationally for Judo.
Questions
Your first session is free. Here are the questions parents ask us most — and the answers that make starting easy.
WhatsApp me to get startedABSOLUTELY. Every activity is carefully supervised by professional coaches, and our Mini Judo classes are play-based and staged for ages 3 to 6. We teach safe falling and controlled movement before anything else, so your child builds confidence at their own pace.
Confidence, fitness and focus — in a sport they actually enjoy. Judo teaches safe falling, balance, coordination and discipline, and gives kids a healthy way to burn energy. Those wins show up at school, at home and on the mat. For students who want to compete or grade, we coach competition Judo and Kata too.
Not at all. Most people start as complete beginners. Wear comfortable sports clothes and bring a water bottle — we can lend a gi top for your first session. We teach the fundamentals step by step, so no one gets left behind.
That is exactly who judo is for. Our coaches are patient and welcoming, and no one is forced onto the mat before they are ready. Most shy children settle in within a few sessions — and the confidence they gain is one of the best parts.
Yes — completely free, with no obligation and no pressure. Book online or WhatsApp me and we will reserve your spot. Come and see the coaching, the dojo and the welcome for yourself.
Absolutely. Parents are welcome to watch from the side, especially for the first few sessions. You will see how carefully every activity is coached — and how much fun the kids are having.
Book your free session
Tell us who's coming and we'll confirm the right program. No experience needed — just bring water, comfortable clothes and a bit of energy.
Tell us a little about what you need and we'll get back to you. Your email is sent straight from this page to the dojo's inbox.
Confirmation
