| Champions Martial Arts Academy |
| Champions Martial Arts Academy and Little Rock Judo Club is a nonprofit organization with a goal of helping boys and girls as well as men and women to become better students and people. Our nonprofit organization and all volunteer coaching staff allows us to get away from the commercial side of the martial arts that all too many Dojos can be limited by-we don't have extra charges to join special "clubs", we don't have frequent and expensive "Belt Ceremonies", our membership dues are set to allow the Dojo to offer a comfortable and safe environment for the practice and development of each of our students, from age 3 to seniors. Our classes are focused on the individual students involved and goals for each student are age appropriate, leading to improved performance not only in Judo but also in life. Many of the parents of our students notice increased attention span, improved concentration and, of course, improved conditioning of the student. The goals for adults are improved conditioning, flexibility, self confidence and self awareness, and obtaining a functional system of self defense in a fun, cooperative setting. Unlike many other martial arts, Judo provides a true strength-building and conditioning workout and frequent physical repetition during classes "trains" muscle memory and balance into our students. Workouts differ with each age but consist of a mix of strength and flexibility training, tumbling/rolls, grappling, throws and falls. Many of our students find that skills attempted outside of our setting (such as handstands, cartwheels, rolls, etc) are more easily achievable in the fun and challenging setting we provide. Our coaches are accomplished practitioners of Judo and are all volunteers, giving of their time to pass on their knowledge and skills. After signing up, there are monthly dues (we have to keep the lights on!) of $65 with no pressure for additional costs that are so prevalent at other locations. Our desire is to teach Judo and associated martial arts in a comfortable and safe environment and we ask that you come join us! |
| Our Dojo has been designed specifically with our needs in mind. Please look at our Facilities page for more information. |
| Our philosophy can best be summed up by the Champions Code Clear Mind Clear Body Academic Achievement Determined Focus Respectful Life Disciplined Attitude Humble Demeanor Honest Character Courageous Spirit Brave Heart "What the mind conceives, the heart believes, and the body achieves" |
| Come see what separates us from other over-commercialized locations. Come experience the difference that you will notice in your body, attitude and focus that Judo can bring into your life. Come see why earning a yellow belt with us is more satisfying that any number of meaningless and costly "belt ceremonies". Will you have a black belt in Judo in 18 months? Absolutely not. Why would you want a black belt without the skills anyway? We would love to have you visit the Dojo and work out with our instructors without obligation for a week or two to decide if Judo is right for you or your student. Classes are also offered in Jujitsu as noted on our class schedule page and students are encourage to explore these offerings as well. |
| About our crest |
| This crest, known as Ken Umebachi is the symbol of the Little Rock Judo Center. As indicated by its name, it is a combination of five KEN (or swords) and five petals or UME or prunus-mume, a species of Japanese plum. The UME is known for it's simplicity and is a traditional symbol of fortitude in the Orient because it will be the first to bloom after a cold winter. The KEN symbolizes a desire toward academic achievement and the mastery of the art and spirit of the way of the samurai. Coach Norton chose this as our symbol because of his goal of helping his students to become better students and people. |
| Little Rock Judo Club is a non-profit organization located in Little Rock, Arkansas. We exist under the 5013C Umbrella known as "Alternative Colors, Inc." Donations and contributions are tax deductible (and highly appreciated!) and should be made out to Alternative Colors, Inc. Donations can be made online in a secure manner via our Paypal account listed on our Contact page. If you would like to donate and wish to know more about our needs, please contact us at (501) 296-9676 or drop by the Dojo at any scheduled class time, we'd love to show you around. |
| Please note that our mention of other martial arts such as Taekwondo, Karate, Aikido, etc does not indicate a lack of respect for these arts. We do feel that For-Profit centers operate under a different set of needs and priorities than a non-profit Dojo. We feel that our all-volunteer staff and low cost memberships allow us to focus on what is important; the progress and abilities of each student. Judo also benefits from it's reliance on throws, pins and submissions instead of kicks and strikes as our techniques can be practiced safely on live, full speed opponents without the need for bulky protective devices to prevent head or body trauma. This allows the skills learned in Judo to translate more effectively into a real-life setting if needed for self defense. |
| 1924 South University Little Rock, AR 72204 (501) 296-9676 |
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| Judo Schedule Tuesday and Thursday Saturday Ages: Begins Ends Begins Ends Up to 8 years old 5:45 6:45 9:00 10:00 9 to 12 yrs. old 5:45 7:00 9:00 10:00 13 yrs and up 7:00 8:00 9:00 11:00 Advanced Judo Monday 7:00-8:00 |
| Judo Schedule Tuesday and Thursday Ages: Begins Ends Up to 8 years old 5:45 6:45 9 to 12 yrs. old 5:45 7:00 13 yrs and up 7:00 8:00 Saturday Begins Ends Up to 12 years old 9:00 10:00 Over 12 9:00 11:00 Advanced Judo Monday 5pm-7pm |