Art of Takedowns Judo Academy is a premier martial arts center located in Escondido, California.
AOT offers the highest quality instruction in the traditional Japanese style of Judo with a wrestling influence. Our academy is committed to helping students reach their full potential and develop the physical and mental skills necessary to excel. A.O.T offers a wide variety of classes for students of all ages and skill levels. These classes include beginner, intermediate, and advanced level Judo
02/03/2026
2026 AOT Class Schedule 🥋
This schedule was built with one goal in mind:
strong fundamentals, safe training, and real progress — for kids and adults alike.
If you’ve been thinking about starting judo (or getting back on the mat), this is your sign.
Free trials available.
01/19/2026
Huge thank you to 10th Planet Murrieta for having Sensei Johnny Leon Guerrero out to teach a No-Gi Judo seminar 🙏. It was an honor sharing takedown concepts, grip-less adaptations, and judo fundamentals tailored for no-gi grappling.
Appreciate the hospitality, the great energy on the mats, and everyone who showed up ready to learn and train.
Looking forward to more cross-training and building the grappling community together
01/07/2026
🥋 2026 Class Schedule is LIVE!
We’re excited to kick off a new year of training at Art of Takedowns Judo Academy.
Updated class times, focused age groups, and structured development for every level.
📅 Check the schedule
👨👩👧👦 Kids • Youth • Adults
🔥 Let’s make 2026 a strong year on the mats
12/24/2025
🎉 Art of Takedowns — End of Year Wrap & Holiday Message 🥋
👉 https://artoftakedowns.com/so/96PjDgoSi?languageTag=en
As 2025 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on a year full of growth, community, and hard work at Art of Takedowns Judo Academy.
From our Korean BBQ night to the 2nd Annual Potluck, this season has shown once again what makes our dojo special — our people. Thank you to all the families, athletes, and supporters who came out, contributed, and celebrated with us. Your energy and spirit make this community amazing.
We’re especially proud of all the students who earned promotions this year. Your dedication on the mat — and the consistency you show off the mat — is inspiring. Congratulations to every judoka who took the next step in their journey. 🥋✨
Sensei Johnny’s message to the Art of Takedowns family:
“Thank you for your continued support of Art of Takedowns. Teaching judo and watching each of you grow — physically, mentally, and personally — is a true honor. Our dojo is more than a place to train; it’s a place where character is built and friendships thrive. I’m grateful for our students, our parents, and our community. Here’s to an even stronger year ahead.”
📌 Read the full message and updates here:
👉 https://artoftakedowns.com/so/96PjDgoSi?languageTag=en
From all of us at AOT — Happy Holidays and thank you for being part of the journey. 🎄🤝
Happy Holidays from Art of Takedowns + 2026 Dojo Updates Dear AOT Family, As we close out the year, we want to wish everyone a Happy Holidays, a wonderful end to the year, and a Happy New Year from all of us at Art of Takedowns Judo Academy. Thank you to everyone who joined us for our end-of-year events. Our Korean BBQ night was another big hit, and our S...
End-of-year reflections at Art of Takedowns Judo Academy 🥋
A night of Korean BBQ, a dojo potluck, shared laughs, and well-earned promotions.
Our second annual end-of-year potluck was a huge success—
a reminder that this is more than training. It’s community, growth, and showing up for one another on and off the mat.
Proud of everyone who continues to put in the work.
Onward to the next year.
End-of-year reflections at Art of Takedowns Judo Academy 🥋. A night of Korean BBQ, a dojo potluck, shared laughs, and well-earned promotions.
Our second annual end-of-year potluck was a huge success. A reminder that this is more than training. It’s community, growth, and showing up for one another on and off the mat.
Proud of everyone who continues to put in the work.
Onward to the next year.
Skill. Timing. Control.
Every throw tells a story — and every beginner can learn to move like this. Start your free trial class at Art of Takedowns and see what Judo can do for you.
11/18/2025
🎉 AOT 2025 Holiday Schedule & Events! 🎉
We’ve got a great lineup to close out the year, and we’d love for every student and family to join us!
⸻
🥩 Teens & Adult End-of-Year KBBQ Dinner
📅 Thursday, December 18th at 7:30pm
(We’ll head over right after the Fundamentals class.)
💵 $45 per person — drinks not included
⚠️ Must pre-purchase your reservation.
⸻
🍽️ AOT Holiday / End-of-Year Potluck
📅 Saturday, December 20th • 10am–2pm
📍 Woodland Park, 671 Woodland Pkwy, San Marcos
📋 Signup sheet is posted at the dojo.
Bring your favorite dish and celebrate the year with the AOT family!
⸻
🎄 Holiday Dojo Closure:
Our dojo will be closed Dec 21 – Jan 2.
➡️ Classes resume Saturday, Jan 3rd.
⸻
Thank you all for an amazing year of growth, community, and dedication.
We can’t wait to close out 2025 together! 🥋❤️
Feel free to share this post or tag teammates who should know!
11/18/2025
🎉 AOT Holiday Events + Schedule! 🎉
Swipe to see everything coming up before we close out 2025! 👉
🥩 Teens/Adult End-of-Year KBBQ Dinner
📅 Dec 18 @ 7:30pm
💵 $45 per person (drinks not included)
🔔 Must pre-purchase your reservation!
🍽️ AOT Holiday / End-of-Year Potluck
📅 Dec 20 • 10am–2pm
📍 Woodland Park – San Marcos
📋 Sign up at the dojo!
🎄 Holiday Closure:
Dojo closed Dec 21 – Jan 2
➡️ First class back: Jan 3
Let’s finish 2025 together — food, family, training, community. OSS! 🥋🔥
10/01/2025
🥋✨ Promotion Day at Art of Takedowns ✨🥋
A huge congratulations to our students who earned their new ranks on Saturday, September 27th!
Both our kids and adults showed incredible dedication, discipline, and growth on the mat.
We’re proud to see your hard work pay off—every throw, every roll, every hour of training adds up. Keep pushing forward and representing the spirit of Judo! 💪🔥
Let’s give a big round of applause to everyone promoted—your AOT family is proud of you! 👏👏👏
10/01/2025
🥋✨ Promotion Day at Art of Takedowns ✨🥋
A huge congratulations to our students who earned their new ranks on Saturday, September 27th! Both our kids and adults showed incredible dedication, discipline, and growth on the mat.
We’re proud to see your hard work pay off—every throw, every roll, every hour of training adds up. Keep pushing forward and representing the spirit of Judo! 💪🔥
Let’s give a big round of applause to everyone promoted—your AOT family is proud of you! 👏👏👏
08/16/2025
Great day of Judo at Art of Takedowns! 🥋
We had the honor of hosting the Katame no Kata Clinic, organized by PSJA, right here at AOT today. It was an amazing experience filled with learning, teamwork, and the true spirit of Judo.
A huge thank you to PSJA for putting this event together and to everyone who came out to share the mats with us. The energy and dedication from all participants made the clinic a success. 🙌
| Monday | 10am - 2pm |
| 4pm - 8:30pm | |
| Tuesday | 11am - 2pm |
| 4pm - 8:30pm | |
| Wednesday | 10am - 2pm |
| 4pm - 8:30pm | |
| Thursday | 11am - 2pm |
| 4pm - 8:30pm | |
| Saturday | 9am - 3pm |