★★★★★
Sensei Chris is wonderful with the little kids. My son attends the Saturday 9 am class. Not only does he have a great time but Judo teaches him self control and improves his listening skills. Highly recommend for toddler age on up.
Parents keep telling us the same thing: "Chris is wonderful with the kids." Kids Judo at Snyder Dojo builds balance, confidence, listening skills, and self-control — and the kids have so much fun they don't notice they're learning.
What You'll Learn
Confidence & Self-Control
Judo gives kids a safe way to be physical, follow rules, and win and lose with respect.
Falling Safely
Kids learn to fall without getting hurt — on the mat, the playground, or the ice.
Anti-Bullying Skills
Judo teaches kids to stay calm and control a situation without throwing a punch.
Why Kalamazoo Parents Choose Snyder Dojo
It isn't a franchise and there's no sales pitch. It's a friendly, family dojo where your kids are known by name and taught by an instructor with decades of experience teaching children.
- Tuesday & Thursday 5:30–6:25 PM
- Sibling pricing: $105 for two, $140 for three or more
- Parents can train too — adult judo starts right after kids class
- No contracts — month to month
Class Times
| Day | Time | Class | Ages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 5:30–6:25 PM | Kids Judo | Kids 5–12 |
| Thursday | 5:30–6:25 PM | Kids Judo | Kids 5–12 |
Every class on the schedule is included in one $60/month membership. See the full schedule & pricing.
Common Questions
What age can my child start judo?
Kids Judo is for ages 5–12. For 3- and 4-year-olds, we have a Saturday 9 AM Preschool Judo class. Teens 13 and up join the adult classes.
Is judo or jiu-jitsu better for kids?
Both are great, and kids don't have to choose. Judo teaches balance, falling safely, and throws; jiu-jitsu and grappling teach control on the ground. At Snyder Dojo the kids membership includes Kids Judo (Tue/Thu) and Little Dragons no-gi grappling (Mon).
Is judo safe for kids?
Yes. There's no punching or kicking, and the very first thing kids learn is how to fall without getting hurt. Classes are supervised closely and paced for each age group.
My child is shy. Will they be okay?
Very often, yes. Chris is known for being patient with shy and young kids. One parent booked a private lesson first to help their shy kids get comfortable before joining the group — a great option if your child needs a little extra time.
How much are kids judo classes?
$60 a month covers every kids class on the schedule. Siblings save: two members are $105 and three or more are $140. The first class is free.
What Students & Parents Say
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars across 21 Google reviews.
★★★★★
Chris is fantastic. It was a great experience for my kids.
★★★★★
You can't beat it for Judo in the kzoo area, and there's some fantastic stuff being taught in MMA, grappling and BJJ. Add in some very reasonable rates and you've got a great place to train. I also bring my boys here for the kid's judo class, and it's really helping them to grow up right.
Bring Your Child to a Free Class
Your first class is free. Come try it — no contract, no pressure, no egos on the mat.