our programs
At Valkyrie Grappling Academy, we offer a range of classes in Judo for Kids, Teens & Adults and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Each program provides a clear pathway for students to build confidence, fitness, and technical skill in a safe and welcoming environment.
Whether you’re stepping onto the mats for the first time, returning after a break, or aiming to take your training further, our programs are designed to support you at every stage of the journey.
Judo Programs
JUDO KIDS (Ages 5* - 14)
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Kids Judo.
Our kids judo program emphasizes a combination of skill development, techniques, and strategies to prepare for competition.
After each class, there will structured sparring sessions to apply techniques in a live setting (randori) with an emphasis on safety, control, respect and contest rules.
Members of the kids class will have the chance to take the lead in various class segments, including warm-ups and drills, fostering their leadership abilities while honing their judo skills and embodying judo core values.
Coach approval is required for kids training at age 5*. If a child isn’t able to sustain the required attention or follow instructions yet, we’ll gladly guide them toward our Viking Tots program for ages 2–4. This helps them build the skills and confidence they need before joining the Kids Judo program.
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Kids Judo
A fun and supportive way for kids to build confidence, coordination, and respect on the mats.Class Times:
Tuesday & Thursday
4:00pm – 5:00pm
JUDO ADULTS & tEENS (Ages 15+)
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Adult and Teen Judo.
Our Adults / Teen program typically starts with a warm-up to enhance flexibility and strength, followed by a review of fundamental techniques such as throws, grips, and ground work.
Participants practice these techniques through drills and partner exercises, focusing on precision and application.
The class often includes randori or sparring sessions, allowing students to apply their skills in a dynamic setting. Instruction may also cover strategy and tactics specific to judo.
The session concludes with a cool-down, often featuring discussions on techniques learned and opportunities for feedback, fostering a supportive environment for skill development and personal growth.
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Adult & Teen Judo
Build strength, discipline, and skill through our core Judo program.Class Times:
Tuesday & Thursday
5:15pm – 6:45pmSaturday
10:00am – 12:00pm
VIKING TOTS - Baby KIDS (Ages 2-4)
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Our program for little ones focuses on playful skill development, fun techniques, and early judo concepts to build confidence and coordination.
What your child will learn
Pre-judo foundations: basic balance, body awareness, and safe fall practice to lay a strong motor skill base.
Judo tradition and etiquette: simple, age-appropriate introductions to dojo manners, bowing, and respectful behavior.
Motor skill development: running, hopping, jumping, rolling, and coordination activities that translate to judo movements.
Teamwork and social skills: cooperative games, partner activities, and turn-taking to foster teamwork and positive peer interactions.
Early judo concepts: emphasis on safety, control, and listening to instructions in a supportive environment.
Class structure
Kid-friendly practice: short, supervised activities designed for toddlers to explore movements safely.
Movement trials: guided drills and playful challenges that reinforce balance, posture, and basic grips in a non-contact setting.
Leadership moments: children in the 2–4 group can take turns helping with easy warm-ups and group drills, promoting early leadership and a positive sense of teamwork.
Gentle progression: activities gradually introduce core judo ideas and traditions in an age-appropriate way.
Transition to Kids Judo
When children reach age 5, coach approval is required to join the Kids Judo class.
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Viking Tots
A fun and supportive way for kids to build confidence, coordination, and respect on the mats.Class Times:
Saturday
9:00am - 10:00am
jiu jitsu Programs
Jiu jitsu (Ages 15+)
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Adults Jiu Jitsu
Our Adults / Teen Jiu Jitsu program begins with a warm-up designed to build mobility, strength, and endurance, preparing students for the technical work ahead.
Classes focus on core Jiu Jitsu principles such as positional control, escapes, sweeps, and submissions. These techniques are introduced through structured drills and partner practice, with an emphasis on leverage, timing, and efficiency rather than brute strength.
Students then apply their learning in live sparring (rolling), which provides the opportunity to test skills in a realistic and controlled environment. Instruction may also highlight strategies for both self-defence and sport competition.
Each session finishes with a cool-down and a chance for reflection, reinforcing techniques covered in class while encouraging questions and feedback. This creates a supportive atmosphere where students of all levels can progress and grow in their training.
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Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Now running three nights a week.Class Times:
Monday, Wednesday & Friday
5:30pm – 7:00pm
Accreditations
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Our dojo is certified in the Level 1 Adaptive Judo Coaching Course, enabling us to provide judo instruction for students with disabilities. This course equips us with essential knowledge in disability awareness and adaptive coaching techniques, covering the history of special needs judo, coaching for contests, safety rules for play and competition, and various judo games. The training also includes a focus on understanding different disabilities, ensuring we can effectively support all our students.
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All Valkyrie Judo coaches are USA Judo sanctioned coaches, ensuring they meet the highest standards of certification and safety. Each coach maintains an active USA Judo membership throughout their certification period. They are required to undergo NCSI screening, which is valid for two years, and must renew their background check if it expires during their certification. Additionally, all coaches complete the SafeSport training, which is valid for one year. Valkyrie Judo also accepts judo rank certificates from recognized organizations, including USA Judo and others, ensuring that only qualified individuals are part of our coaching team.
The current coaching staff holds National and Continental Level coaching certifications, respectively.
You can find us on the USA Judo Certified Coach Locator here.
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Valkyrie Judo is a sanctioned club with USA Judo, meaning it adheres to the organization's compliance standards. To maintain this status, Valkyrie Judo has a fully certified USA Judo coach present at all times. Additionally, the club ensures that all members and staff complete the U.S. Center for SafeSport training annually and remain current with their NCSI Background Checks. This commitment to safety and compliance underscores Valkyrie Judo's dedication to creating a secure and supportive environment for all participants.
You can find us on the USA Judo Club Locator here.
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We are proud to be a chartered club with the United States Judo Association (USJA). In line with the USJA’s commitment to spreading the art of Judo to the best of our abilities in the spirit of jita-kyoei—mutual benefit—we honor Jigoro Kano’s vision when he founded Judo and carry that philosophy on and off the tatami. We look forward to providing support, education, and a community of like-minded people to help foster the growth and expansion of Judo in the United States.Item description
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The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), in partnership with Stand Up LLC and the Susan Crown Exchange, has developed a course aimed at training one million coaches in social and emotional learning as part of the Million Coaches Challenge. The course emphasizes that effective coaching combines technical skills and human development, highlighting the importance of emotional intelligence in enhancing athletic performance. It notes that sports provide an excellent environment for practicing these skills, with key components including self-awareness, social awareness, self-management, and relationship management. Continuous reflection on emotional intelligence is essential for coaches to support their athletes' development. Coach Raquel Flowers has also received her accreditation in Connection-Based Coaching, enhancing her ability to create supportive environments for her athletes.
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The American Red Cross course in Adult, Child, and Baby First Aid/CPR/AED provides comprehensive training on how to recognize, respond to, and manage emergencies involving adults, children, and infants. It covers essential skills such as administering first aid, performing CPR, and using an AED. All coaches are certified in this course, ensuring they are prepared to effectively assist in emergency situations and help save lives.
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We are an IBJJF-accredited academy, dedicated to upholding the federation’s standards for curriculum, safety, and competition. Our IBJJF-certified instructors teach according to official belts, rules, and event guidelines, delivering a high-quality Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu experience for all levels.
