Las Vegas Kung Fu Academy

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Judo Classes

Are you interested in learning Judo? Judo classes at our school are open today. All levels welcome.

" Judo classes develop your self-confidence, discipline and a type of wrestling fitness that cannot be achieved any other way. "

The ultimate goal of Judo, like all other martial arts, is not to develop mastery over others, but rather mastery over oneself.

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Would you like a free one on one Phone consultation With One Of The Owners, (Instructor Kevin or Renee) and a tour of our facilities?

Click here to schedule a phone call with Instructor Kevin or Renee.

It takes less than a minute. So what are you waiting for?

"I found what I was looking for here at the Las Vegas Kung Fu Academy."

"I always wanted to learn Judo. However, I was afraid of getting hurt, feeling lost or overwhelmed.

At other schools I went to, the teacher would show the throw once then say, "Okay, try it". I was looking for a school that would actually teach and instruct the students.

That's when I found what I was looking for. The Las Vegas Kung Fu Academy.

Instructor Kevin really breaks down the moves and give you fine details about the throw. He never rushes through a technique. This is the perfect place for me."

Gary D.

"Instructor Kevin has made my learning experience a positive one. "

"If there is one thing to say about judo, it's that if you stick with it, the reward will be great. At first, learning judo is difficult on our body. The constant falling then getting up and repeating the throw can be a bit overwhelming at first.

When I did my first class I wasn't use to basic warm ups - forward rolls, back ward rolls, and break falls. I felt dizzy and my body ached the next day. I knew this was to happen. It's what I do after is what's important. Either I quit and say it's too hard? Or, I continue knowing it will get easier.

After a year, I am still here! Yes, I stuck with it. There have been many positive changes In Life. I am now able to do the warm ups with ease. I am not afraid to fall.

Instructor Kevin has made my learning experience a positive one. His way of teaching really makes you understand the basics of judo and the important parts of a throw. I like how he's able to breakdown a throw and make it into our exercise and warm up part of class."

Nelson K.

Judo Classes

Judo is the gentle art.

Seriously.

The literal translation of the word "Judo" translates directly from Japanese into the gentle way. Now, think about this, why would such an explosive martial art be called the "gentle way"?

It's important to realize, it has to do with the concept of seiryoku zen’yō, this translates as maximum efficiency, minimum effort.

Judo Is Not About Brute Strength

Judo is an art that takes aggression and force and transforms it.

For example, in Judo it is entirely possible for a smaller weaker player to beat a significantly larger and stronger opponent. However, if the smaller Judoka were to directly resist the larger opponent, they would most likely meet with defeat.

In fact, if the smaller opponent were to evade the initial attack, redirect the momentum, then switch directly into offense, they could achieve victory.

After all, why even learn martial arts, if the bigger stronger opponent is always supposed to win?

What To Expect When You Enroll In Judo Classes

As you can imagine...

Before, learning how to throw the first thing you will learn when you start our Judo class is how to fall. This skill of falling in Japanese is called "Ukemi" or break falling.

It's important to realize, this is essential for the SAFE practice of throwing techniques. Our goal is to get you to feel very comfortable being thrown. Because, without this confidence in the ability to fall, you will not try to take the offense in a competitive situation. In fact, you might constantly be defensive and not try to execute any throws. Instead,  you might hesitate. Unfortunately, this hesitation leads to defeat competition. It's important to realize, falling takes time to learn no matter what.

Judo Ukemi Saved My Life

This falling skill will undoubtedly save you at least once in your lifetime. I have known many martial artists in my lifetime, and EVERY single one of them had a story about them falling and then rolling out of it using "ukemi".

Personally, my "ukemi" story starts with me and my friends mountain biking in the forests of Hawaii as a young man. I hit a tree root going at quite a fast speed (I was younger and less wise). My bike stopped cold in its tracks. However, my body did not stop. Before you knew it, I went flying over the handlebars and ended up performing a forward roll out of pure instinct. Luckily, my falling techniques saved my neck. Literally.

The Ability To Fall Gracefully And With Control Is A Daunting Task But Achievable With Constant Practice

However, if you were to just learn falling techniques without learning any throws, you would probably quit Judo!

Due to this reason, we start teaching throws from the very first day. You can learn to throw other students who already know how to fall. For beginners, when it is their turn to throw you, they can just practice the entry into the throw without actually throwing you to the ground.

Also, every Judo throw is broken down into 3 parts. It’s like any other large project, you want to break it into parts so you that it's more digestible.

The first part to every throw is the off-balancing, then the entry and finally the finish.

Throughout your training you will come to find out that Judo is an excellent workout. Also, you will slowly be getting into great shape, learning to defend yourself and becoming a self-discipline person!

Some Of The Concepts You Will Learn In Judo Class Are:

  •  Kuzushi or breaking the opponents's balance
  • The difference between speed and rhythm
  •  Jita Kyoei mutual welfare and benefit
  • Gripping strategy
  • Importance of leverage and balance
  •  When someone is balanced they are strong, but when they are off balance they are weak
  • Breaking someone's center of gravity
  • Using your body as a lever
  • Learning how to roll and fall - forward roll, backward roll, side breakfall, and back breakfall
  • Being a good partner (Uke). Not resisting a fall when being thrown by your partner. 

About Us

The Kawada Family


Here's the story:

I started training in martial arts as a teenager. At that time in my life, I was getting into a LOT of trouble. I was hanging out with the wrong crowd.

But wait, it didn't stop there...

Unfortunately, I was staying out late without calling. Basically, I was a juvenile delinquent. In truth, I was my parent's worst nightmare come true.

Astonishing, isn't it?

Suffice to say I owe my parents a BIG apology!

Anyway, at this time, I wasn't actively looking for the benefits that the martial arts had to offer.

Honestly, I just thought it was the coolest thing in the world to be able to actually learn this stuff. However, it was only after a few months of training that I became aware of all of the benefits that training in martial arts had to offer.

My name is Kevin Kawada and my wife’s name is Renee Kawada. Martial arts training had a remarkable positive impact on my life.

Because of this, we decided to open our own martial arts school in March of 2004. At that time we made a promise to improve the lives of all our students. Truly, we want you to experience the life-transforming experience that is martial arts.

Please come in and see our school in person! We would love to have you as our next student!


FAQs

What is the difference between Judo and Brazilian Jiujitsu?

The main differences between the two is that, Judo places a great emphasis on take-down techniques and throws whereas, Brazilian JuJitsu places much more emphasis on groundwork when competing, In a typical Judo school 80% of training time is devoted to standup throws while in a typical BJJ school 80% of the training time is devoted to groundwork. The emphasis on different aspects of grappling is because, the scoring or rules of the each individual style is radically different.

Both Judo and Jiujitsu are martial arts (realistic self defense). However, both martial arts styles can also be practiced as a combative sport, meaning that students compete against one another. Both Judo and Jiu Jitsu emphasize free sparring against other student that are resisting and also attempting offensive techniques. Free sparring in Jujitsu is known as rolling. Free sparring in Judo is known as Randori.

This free sparring does not include striking or kicking but does include throwing, joint-locking and choking techniques to be used. When sparring with joint-locking and chocking techniques, Safety is a main concern and typically, when caught in a submission technique, students use either a verbal or physical message to dictate that they are no longer able to continue and would like to yield (to tap-out)

Question: What exactly is Judo? Where did Judo come from?

In the 1800s Judo was "invented" by a man named Jigoro Kano.

Jigor Kano wasn't a very big man. As a child, He was bullied. To learn to defend himself, He endeavored to learn the ancient Japanese art of jiu-jitsu. Kano studied jiu-jitsu under several different teachers in an effort to become as proficient as possible.

You see, Jujitsu was an ancient art designed for the samurai (warrior class) to kill and maim an opponent on the battlefield. Many of the techniques, although practical, was too deadly to practice at full speed and power. Jujitsu was much too dangerous to practice at full speed and power.

So in 1882, Kano started his own school or dojo, which he called the Kodokan. He started modifying the art to be safer, and more efficient. He called his new martial art Judo. His new art had three major tenets: physical education, competitive sparring, and mental discipline.

Jigoro Kano

Question: Can Judo be used for Self-Defense?

Yes. First, Judo skills can end a fight quickly if you are ever caught in a physical confrontation. Think of Judo as the art of hitting someone with a largest weapon you can find, the earth itself.

Second, If you can combine judo skills with some striking techniques from other arts, you will be able to defend yourself.

Question: What is "Randori"?

Answer: One of the defining characteristics of Judo is called randori. This competitive wrestling. Competitors throw or submit each other to win the match. Judo is a sport martial art. Many techniques that could maim or permanently hurt an opponent are considered dangerous and are prohibited. Strikes to an opponents vital areas, such as the eyes, throat and groin are outlawed. Judo has set of rules that govern how to compete using the techniques that are permitted.

Question: Can I come in and either observe or try a class?

Answer: Yes, of course. You are welcome to observe or try a class. However, please contact us to schedule an appointment to come in. The trial class is free.

Question: What do I wear for my trial lesson?

Answer: Adult classes are 90 minutes. Also, you can check out our class schedule here:

Question: When are the Judo Classes? 

Answer: Adult classes are 90 minutes. Also, you can check out our class schedule here: https://www.lvshaolin.com/schedule/  

Question: What if I'm not in shape for the Judo class?

Answer: You're never too old to start martial arts. indeed, we have students of all ages and at different fitness levels. Don't worry about not being in shape. Enrolling in martial arts will help you get in shape. Here at our school, you work at your own pace and set your own goals. in short, we are here to help you in reaching your own personal goals.

Question: Can I enroll in Judo class even if I have no experience and not very athletic?

Answer: Of course! You don't need to have any experience to start.  Eventually, you will improve and soon you will feel very comfortable in class.

Question: When can I enroll?

Answer: Our program is on-going. in addition, you can start at any time. 

Question: How often should I attend the Judo class?

Answer: Everyone's schedule is different.  Most people come twice a week. However, some students love our classes so much, they come every day.

Question: Do I need my own equipment?

Answer: Usually, If you are on a trial program, you can borrow our equipment. However, if you enroll in the ongoing program, you should have your own equipment. Good news! Everything you need can be purchased here at our martial arts studio.

Question: Are there any testing fees?

Answer: Yes, testing fees are $55 per student. Usually, belt tests are held twice a year in April and October. 

Question: How much does the Judo class cost?

Answer: Presently, you can check out the prices for our classes here: https://www.lvshaolin.com/prices/

Question: Will I get hurt training in the Judo class?

Answer: Martial arts (like any other sport) has its various risks and dangers. However, we always try our best to prevent injuries. In addition, we always promote a culture of safety at our school. This helps keep students from getting injured.


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Would you like a free one on one Phone consultation With One Of The Owners, (Instructor Kevin or Renee) and a tour of our facilities?

Click here to schedule a phone call with Instructor Kevin or Renee.

It takes less than a minute. So what are you waiting for?

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Martial Arts Classes In Las Vegas - Las Vegas is where The Las Vegas Kung Fu Academy, a Martial Arts facility focusing on programs in Adult & Kids Martial Arts, makes its home. The surrounding areas of Las Vegas, North Las Vegas and Clark County, are close enough that students could possibly drive to class if they were motivated enough.

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