Snyder Dojo

Closing for weather 12-29-25
Grappling class

🌀 New Class Alert! Snyder Dojo is excited to announce our next class for 3 & 4-year-olds starting September 13!

Located in Kalamazoo, Snyder Dojo offers a safe, fun, and empowering environment where even our youngest students learn the fundamentals of movement, balance, and confidence. Our focus on injury prevention means the first thing they’ll master is how to fall safely—an essential skill practiced in every class.

Through playful techniques and guided instruction, kids build core strength, coordination, and self-assurance. Whether your child is just starting out or already showing interest in martial arts, this class is a great way to begin their journey.

Find us at 670 Maple Hill Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 📞 Questions? Call (269) 365-3667 or message us here!

Let’s build strong bodies and even stronger spirits—one tumble at a time.

We will not be having grappling class March 31. But judo Class will be as normal for the rest of the week.

📣 New 7-Week Judo Session for 3 & 4-Year-Olds! 🥋

Starting this Saturday, February 22 at 9 AM, we are thrilled to launch a new 7-week session of our Judo class for little ones aged 3 and 4!

Why Judo for Kids?

🌟 Physical Benefits:

Transmedial Motion: Develops strength and agility through varied movements.

Vestibular Awareness: Enhances balance and spatial orientation.

Balance & Coordination: Improves motor skills for better control and stability.

Safe Falling Techniques: Teaches kids how to fall safely, reducing injury risks.

Additional Perks:

Social Interaction: Encourages teamwork, respect, and discipline.

Confidence Building: Boosts self-esteem through gradual progress and achievement.

Sign up today to give your child a fun, educational, and physically beneficial experience! Contact us for more details and to reserve your spot.

See you on the mat! 🥋

Hey, the next 3 & 4-year-old class starts February 22. It is 7 weeks long and Saturday mornings at 9am

There will not be class on Wednesday nor Thursday for Thanksgiving. Eat up

We learn to fall and throw in all of our classes, but Judo's emphasis is placed on throws and falls. Beginners first learn ukemi, or break falls, to ensure they can safely fall when thrown, which reduces fear and helps prevent injuries. Mastery of various throwing

Are you a wrestler or BJJ athlete looking to enhance your takedowns and throws? At Snyder Dojo, we focus on the seamless integration of Judo techniques that are perfect for grapplers like you! With my background as a national Judo champion and extensive wrestling experience, I understand the unique needs of wrestlers and BJJ practitioners. Our classes emphasize effective throws and transitions to groundwork, allowing you to control your opponents whether your throw is successful or not. By honing these skills, you'll gain a competitive edge on the mat and elevate your overall grappling game. Additionally, I offer clinics and private lessons for those seeking more personalized training. Join us at Snyder Dojo and discover how our specialized training can take your wrestling and BJJ to the next level! Feel free to contact me for more information!

Judo can be highly beneficial for children who are physically sensory-seeking, providing a controlled and safe environment to satisfy their sensory needs. The sport offers a variety of sensory inputs through pushing, pulling, spinning, and rolling, which can help children seeking physical sensations get the stimulation they need. The physical exertion in judo aids in releasing excess energy, promoting better regulation and focus. Additionally, judo improves coordination and balance through trans-lateral movements and builds discipline, confidence, and self-esteem as children progress and achieve new skills. Through structured activities and social interactions, judo offers a holistic approach to physical and sensory development, making it an excellent choice for children with sensory-seeking behaviors.

If you're looking for a new way to make good friends, Snyder Dojo offers a unique environment where connections naturally form through shared experiences and challenges. At Snyder Dojo, the way to build strong bonds is through "shared pain," where working hard together, trying new challenges, and sharing personal space foster camaraderie. The concept of "Trust Falls" is integral to building relationships, as participants pair up to safely throw each other, reinforcing trust and mutual respect. Importantly, you don’t need to be experienced or in shape to start; everyone is welcome, and advanced students provide support to newcomers. Joining Snyder Dojo not only helps you get fit but also allows you to form meaningful friendships in a supportive environment. Come and experience the unique blend of physical challenge and community spirit!

Come on down try a Judo class. Learning how to fall safely is crucial for anyone engaging in physical activities, as it significantly reduces the risk of injury during falls. This skill, known as ukemi, allows practitioners to absorb the impact of a fall, whether from biking, playing sports, or slipping on ice. By mastering safe falling techniques, you can engage in various activities with greater confidence and avoid injuries that might sideline you. Additionally, practicing ukemi helps develop mental preparedness, training your body to react instinctively in unexpected situations, making it a valuable asset in everyday life.

Reminder no class monday/Labor Day