Utah Judo Gym
Absolute MMA is Utah’s premiere Judo gym. If you want to take Judo classes near Salt Lake City, our professors teach the discipline; and are well qualified to do so.
Owner and instructor, Sensei Rob Handley, is a 2nd degree a blackbelt in Judo and a three-time national medalist in the US Judo Nationals. There’s nobody better than to teach you the pure techniques and remarkable discipline of Judo.
Absolute MMA teaches from the foundation of the art itself, making us unique from other gyms.
What is Judo?
Judo is a Japanese martial art that evolved into a combat system and Olympic sport. Participants, called Judoka, combine throws, trips, pins and submissions to beat their opponents. Judo is a commonly used martial art in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts.
Absolute MMA’s Judo program includes an emphasis on sport Judo and Jiu Jitsu, as well as Judo for self-defense. We combine throws, pins, and submissions in all of our classes.
Absolute MMA is a member of USAJudo, the governing body for the United States Olympic Judo team. Sensei Rob Handley, is a 3-time national medalist from USAJUDO.
Judo FAQ
A lot of our our students and prospective students have questions about the difference between Judo and other martial art styles, where it came from, and when it became an Olympic sport.
Judo vs. Jiu Jitsu
The founder of Judo, Kano Jigoro, did not believe that Jiu Jitsu fully encompassed everything that Judo did. The main difference being that Judo heavily emphasizes not only physical attributes but expanded the mind to showcase a philosophy for life.
Absolute MMA teaches both Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, helping our students to understand the differences in the disciplines, but also focusing on the benefits of each.
One main difference between Judo and Jiu Jitsu is the structure of the sports. The fighting techniques are very similar, as both are based upon principles of Kano Jujutsu, but the structure of each is different.
Judo vs. Muay Thai
Unlike Muay Thai, which uses fists, arms, and legs to defend yourself and attack, Judo is a soft art and focuses on subduing your opponent through grappling and holds.
Is Judo hard?
Judo is extremely challenging physically and mentally but is undeniably rewarding as well. Just like any form of Mixed Martial Arts, Judo will push you to improve, be healthier in your body and mind, and leave you feeling accomplished.
What Does Judo Mean in English?
Judo means “gentle way” in English. It’s said in many of the martial arts that using grappling and joint manipulation is kinder to your adversary.
Why Do People Love Learning Judo?
Learning Judo from our professional Black Belt instructor helps our students develop their body, mind, and character. This helps each of our students live more effective, confident, and fulfilling lives.
When Did Judo Become an Olympic Sport?
Judo became an Olympic Sport in 1964, for men and for women it was added in 1988.
The History of Judo
Judo was originally taught in 1882 in Tokyo, Japan. Developed by Professor Kano Jigoro it is based in traditional Jujutsu and the other self-defense and fighting styles of Japan.
Q&A with Professor Rob about Judo
1) How did you get started in Judo?
I started training in Judo as a complement to my Jiu Jitsu training. I was a competitor and was seeking the edge over my opponents. I had martial art experience but nothing like Judo.
I had no answer as a competitor to what I was facing in competition. Judo helped me learn to grip and grapple with my opponents standing before the fight went to the ground.
2) How is Judo different from Jiu Jitsu and Wrestling?
Judo is a grappling martial art founded by Jigoro Kano in Japan in 1882. It’s also a sport of its own while also a martial art. Judo is the second most practiced sport behind soccer worldwide. It’s very similar to Jiu Jitsu and Wrestling but its also has stark differences.
3) How has Judo helped your other martial arts?
My experience with Judo has greatly influenced everything I do with my martial arts. It’s given me a sport that I enjoy and a place to challenge myself. It gave me great confidence in my overall martial arts abilities. It’s a big part of my success in the other arts.
4) How do I start doing Judo?
Come down to Absolute MMA and join us. We train Judo a few times a week. Its become one of our favorite classes of the week. If you aren’t in our area, get online and find a Judo club near you. Go have some fun.
5) Will Judo help my Jiu Jitsu?
Judo has profoundly influenced my Jiu Jitsu training. If you hold up your hand and make a fist its a clinch of all five fingers. I look at Judo as one of the five fingers that make up the fist.
For me, it was necessary for me to learn to grapple from my feet early on in my Jiu Jitsu career. Otherwise, I would get mauled by bigger stronger opponents. It gave me a chance, leveled the playing field and made me a better competitor.