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WELCOME

JUDO & JIU-JITSU in Elkton, Maryland

Learn the "Gentle Art" -Build grappling skills, conditioning, and real confidence—no prior experience needed

柔道​

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Complete Beginners looking for fitness & stress relief; Martial Artists wanting authentic Judo; Athletes seeking conditioning & refined grappling skills.

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Beginners
What to Expect Day 1

**What students learn**: we stress a beginner safe learning environment. Students learn the techniques of Kodokan (Olympic) and Kosen (leg grabs and ground submissions) styles of Judo.

 

**What to Wear**: wear comfortable workout clothes, like a t-shirt and shorts or leggings. (we have gear new students can borrow)

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**Warm-Ups**: all sessions begin with a dynamic warm-up to prepare your body. It includes Judo specific exercises to foundational movement patterns, promote mobility, and get your heart rate up muscles and ready for action. 

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**Beginner-Safe Drills**: Student safety is our priority. New students will learn proper falling techniques "ukemi" and how to properly apply techniques. You’ll pair up with a partner or instructor to throws, pins, jointlocks, and chokes in a controlled environment, ensuring everyone feels confident and safe.

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**Sparring "randori"**: We practice randori every class. However, Beginners can enjoy the class without the pressure of sparring. You can learn and practice techniques at your own pace, allowing you to build confidence before considering any sparring in the future. 

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Instructor and Schedule

Classes are taught by Head Coach Myan Colatat and assisted by our senior students. He has been practicing Judo and Jiu-Jitsu since a young age. He began learning Judo at the age of 10 and continued studying while serving in the United States Army. He also holds a 4th degree black belt in Taekwondo. His lineage includes renowned Judo figures like Yoshisada Yonezuka, Nagayasu Ogasawara, Janet Ashida Johnson, David Lentz (Rigan Machado/Marcos Santos black belt). He earned his Judo black belt from Princeton Judo under Sensei Yonezuka's senior student Cory Cuomo. He currently holds a shodan, Certified National United States Judo Federation Coach and Army Combatives Instructor. Gardua is the premier Judo school in the Delaware and Eastern Maryland regions.

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Welcome to our Judo & Jiu-Jiutsu classes! We look forward to seeing you on the mats!

Mondays & Wednesdays (7:15 to 8:30 PM) Fridays- (7:00 to 8:00 PM) Saturdays (10:00 to 11:00 AM)

  • Mondays focus on "newaza" (groundwork) pins, submissions and escapes. 

  • Wednesdays "tachiwaza" takedown throws and grip fighting.

  • Fridays & Saturdays - open practice and light sparring.

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"Fantastic Judo and BJJ classes! The instructors are top-notch, skilled, supportive, and truly passionate. Incredibly welcoming group on the mats; you feel like part of the family from day one." -Jacob R.

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Judo/ Jiu Jitsu Programs

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