Business Details
Premier Judo Training in Denver for All Ages
Denver Judo is dedicated to excellence in judo instruction and competition, serving athletes of all ages and skill levels. Founded by Scott and Heidi Moore, both 6th-degree black belts and former elite athletes, we provide comprehensive training programs designed to foster personal growth, discipline, and competitive success. Our team includes over a dozen black belt instructors, many of whom are nationally ranked, ensuring expert guidance for every student. We offer youth classes starting at age 5, competitive training for advanced athletes, and specialized programs for the visually impaired, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity. With a focus on respect, community, and technical mastery, we prepare students for local and national tournaments while maintaining a welcoming environment for all.Our facility features a unique floating floor system developed by Sensei Jim Carmer, now adopted by dojos nationwide. Memberships include unlimited access to judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes, with discounts available for families and annual commitments. We require all participants to join USA Judo by their second week and provide gi sales and structured rank advancement through written and practical examinations. Our competitive team has earned multiple national and international medals, underscoring our reputation as Colorado's premier judo program. Visitors are always welcome to try a free introductory class to experience our philosophy firsthand.
Services
Judo Classes
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Sumo Training
Competitive Judo
Youth Programs
Visually Impaired Judo
Rank Examinations
Gi Sales
Floating Floor System
Tournament Preparation
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of combined experience from 6th-degree black belt instructors with Paralympic coaching credentials
- Our team includes nationally ranked black belt instructors across multiple judo disciplines
- We provide inclusive training for visually impaired athletes integrated with standard classes
- Our patented floating floor system enhances training safety and comfort
- We guarantee competitive preparation with proven tournament success at national/international levels
What people say
Expert instructors
Inclusive programs
Competitive excellence
Family-friendly discounts
Free trial option
Services
Judo Classes
Denver Judo offers comprehensive martial arts training for all ages and skill levels. Our program develops technical proficiency in throws, grappling, and self-defense techniques while emphasizing discipline and respect. Students progress through standardized belt ranks with written and practical examinations, preparing for local and national competitions. The curriculum integrates traditional judo principles with modern competitive strategies.
Competitive Judo
Our competitive judo program prepares athletes for tournament success at regional, national, and international levels. Led by Paralympic coaches and former elite athletes, the high-intensity training includes advanced techniques, match strategy, and physical conditioning. Participants receive personalized coaching and quarterly rank advancement opportunities, with multiple national medalists produced through our program.
Youth Programs
Denver Judo's youth program introduces children aged 5+ to martial arts fundamentals through age-appropriate instruction. Classes focus on safety techniques, basic throws, and character development including self-confidence, coordination, and respect. Young athletes can participate in local tournaments while learning valuable life skills in a structured, supportive environment.
Visually Impaired Judo
We offer specialized judo training for visually impaired and blind athletes, utilizing adapted techniques that emphasize tactile awareness and balance. This fully integrated program follows Paralympic standards, providing competition opportunities and technical modifications that maintain judo's core principles while accommodating visual impairments through specialized instruction methods.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes teach ground fighting techniques that complement judo training. The program focuses on positional control, submissions, and practical self-defense applications. Instructors integrate traditional BJJ with judo principles, offering cross-training benefits for improved overall martial arts proficiency and competitive versatility.
People
Scott Moore
Head Coach
6th-degree black belt and Paralympic gold medalist with 30+ years of competitive experience. Former USA Judo Paralympic team head coach and 2009 Paralympic Coach of the Year. Leads Denver Judo's competitive program since 1999.
Heidi Moore
Executive Director
6th-degree black belt with 11 USA Judo Senior National medals. Certified Athletic Trainer and USA Judo International A-level coach. President of Colorado Judo League and co-leader of Denver Judo's youth and competitive programs since 1999.
Keith Lewis
Instructor
32-year judo veteran and 4th-degree black belt. Law enforcement defensive tactics instructor with multiple national tournament medals. Serves as Denver Judo's Vice President and USA Judo certified Continental Coach.
Alyssa Zawack
Coach
International Judo Federation certified coach with 8+ years of top-10 US rankings. 4x Senior National medalist and assistant coach for Team USA at IBSA Paralympic World Games. Co-facilitates foundational judo classes.
Kedge Zawack
National Coach
USA Judo Certified National Level Coach with multiple Presidents Cup and Senior National medals. Specializes in competitive technique development and tournament preparation for advanced judo athletes.
Questions
What age can children start judo classes?
Our youth judo classes accept students starting at age 5, focusing on basic techniques and character development in a safe environment.
What's included in the monthly membership?
Monthly membership at $80 includes unlimited access to all judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes, plus participation in rank examinations and tournaments.
Do you offer trial classes?
Yes, we provide a free introductory class for all new students to experience our training environment before committing to membership.
What competitive opportunities are available?
We prepare students for local, national, and international tournaments with structured competition training and quarterly rank advancement opportunities for serious athletes.
Are there special programs for visually impaired athletes?
Yes, we offer fully integrated judo classes for visually impaired and blind individuals, following US Paralympic program standards with adapted instruction methods.
What equipment is required?
Students need a judo gi (available for purchase) and must join USA Judo by their second week. No special equipment beyond standard martial arts gear is required.
