Best Judo Classes Leicester Near Me

4worldlovers: There are a total of 11 clubs in the Leicestershire Area, all with qualified insured coaches and registered with the British Judo Council.

Judo is known for its spectacular throwing techniques, but it also includes numerous techniques for controlling an opponent while on the ground, including ground holds, arm locks, chokes and strangles.

Judo is practised for many different reasons such as exercise, self-defence or as a social activity. It promotes flexibility, develops speed and co-ordination, strengthens the cardiovascular system and promotes balanced muscular development.

4worldlovers:
“Judo is the way to the most effective use of both physical and spiritual strength. By training you in attacks and defenses it refines your body and your soul and helps you make the spiritual essence of Judo a part of your very being. In this way you are able to perfect yourself and contribute something of value to the world. This is the final goal of Judo discipline.”


The Amazing Martial Art that builds confidence, self esteem and leadership


We have changed some of our Sessions...please look at the Where & When page!

4worldlovers:

The Club was started in 1963 as an evening class held in one of the rooms at the old ‘Cedars' house on Shilton Road in Barwell. After several moves due to the club out growing it’s venues it eventually ended up in the main sports hall at the Heath Lane Academy in Earl Shilton. It’s now one of the largest clubs in the area with 250 square metres of mat area.




6.00pm until 7.00pm (1 hour) - Judo Cubs for children aged 4 to 6 years (inclusive).


We have no Club memberships fees or charges – You just pay for the sessions you attend.

We start beginners (4 - 15 years old inclusive) in small groups approximately every 6 weeks.

2023 Start dates for beginners (4 - 15 years old inclusive): Fridays; 20th January, 3rd March, 14th April, 26th May, 7th July, 18th August, 29th September and 10th November.

We believe that most sports are great for kids and adults. However judo has got to be among the best of them all. Maybe we are biased but we think judo, is rather special and it's unlike many sports, as it really is a sport that everyone can do, no matter what size, shape or age you are. Because of the large range of techniques and ways of doing each technique, everyone can find something to suit them.

4worldlovers: "When a student comes through our doors we look at how we can improve them and make them better. We are not concerned with numbers and do not treat the club as a business. We do not charge as much as others but the richness of improving others is far more rewarding," Dave Wilkins


Shotokan is regarded worldwide as the most dynamic martial art ever to come out of Japan. It is known for fast and powerful techniques that contribute to make it a fantastic form of self defence. It is the original "mixed martial art" with all elements of attack and defensive techniques.

4worldlovers: Your nearest club is at Gannons Dojo, 84 High Street, in Leicester

We have been teaching children martial arts and karate to help them become more confident and healthy for over 20 years at our martial arts schools. This is achieved by teaching them the best in karate, kickboxing and mixed martial arts. We also specialise in teaching children how to STOP the bully with our unique anti bullying programme.

Your child will learn from genuine high ranking, award winning black belt instructors, who are not only experts in teaching children, but are also walk the talk and are great role models.

Our children’s martial arts classes are fast paced, action packed, educational and motivational. Kids love Karate and parents love watching their children learn and grow in a positive, disciplined and encouraging environment.

Every class is filled with exciting fun, high energy martial arts exercises that are carefully designed to help children build important life skills. Classes start simple and gradually become more challenging based on each children’s individual pace and readiness for the new techniques. All lessons are based on positive recognition, reward and reinforcement for effort, skill, courtesy, sportsmanship and respectful treatment of others.

Self confidence and Self Esteem are built in a gradual step-by-step process. Martial Arts training builds a strong foundation that can easily be applied to a school work, sports, arts and social settings outside the martial arts class.

Learning the fundamentals of self defence will boost your child's self esteem and confidence

Your child's ability to listen and follow instructions will improve with every class.

We'll teach your child how to stop the bully in their tracks with a practical effective anti bullying lessons.

Your child will feel strong and positive as they move through the belt levels.

School pressure, peer pressure, instilling proper values, demanding extra school curricular activities.

I understand what parents like you are having to deal with these days. I have met hundreds of parents just like you, and I have to say it can be challenging time being a child these days.

Many parents I speak to are dealing with these 21st Century demands as well as they can, but sometimes the signs of the pressure children feel are obvious. When new children come into our classes we often see:

It’s not usually malicious, they just have a really difficult time focusing.

Eyes looking down at the floor, shoulders forward, frozen in fear.

Parents often see this as a lack of respect (it’s NOT it more a lack of confidence, but it’s’ still important to overcome)

It’s really difficult for children to see past the “now” and keep at something consistent.

It can all change within a few months. Parents say they can see their children learn:

Confidence, especially what they learn in our karate classes, is the difference between what a child can actually do vs what they think they can do. You will see them act more and more confident and you’ll see them take on new challenges both inside and outside of our martial arts schools with a sense of drive and purpose.

If your child is ever in a situation where they need to use self defence skills against a bully who is physically trying to push, punch or kick them. Then they will have the ability and confidence to apply these self defence techniques. Also, they will have the techniques, ability and confidence to deal with verbal abuse, this is much more common than physical bullying.

The most important thing your child will get from our martial arts classes is a tremendous positive sense of self worth. They will be able to objectively look at things they need to improve such homework, family relations and physical effort. Without feeling useless, and they’ll take pride in the things they get correct without discounting or minimising their own achievements.

If you want your children to not only stay but improve their health, they have to enjoy good hard physical exercise. Our classes are exciting and fun, your child will love coming to each class. They’ll actually love doing the press ups, star jumps and stretching exercises. They will take pride in their increased flexibility and endurance, and they will leave every class sweating, smiling and learning.