Riverview, Brandon & Tampa

Dragon Judo Academy

Name: Dragon Judo Academy
Address: 10528 Lake St Charles Blvd, Riverview, FL, 33578, US
Telephone: 385-242-1095
Price range: $$

Learn judo in Riverview, FL, build confidence, discipline, and strength on the mat. Your first class is free.

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Beginners welcome • Kids & adults • Taught in English & Spanish

About Us

Dragon Judo Academy

Dragon Judo Academy was founded to bring real judo to families in Riverview, Brandon, and Tampa. Under Sensei Javier Siles, we offer a welcoming, disciplined environment where students learn solid technique and grow through authentic practice.

Our Mission

We believe judo transforms lives. Children develop confidence and respect. Adults build fitness and practical skill. Families grow together on the mat. Our mission is to make high-quality judo instruction accessible to every student who walks through our doors, regardless of age, experience, or athletic background.

Dragon Judo Academy is hosted at Gracie Brandon in Riverview, providing a professional training facility for weekend classes. We serve students from across Hillsborough County who want martial arts training rooted in tradition, integrity, and community.

Sensei Javier Siles, 3rd dan judo instructor at Dragon Judo Academy in Riverview FL — Sensei Javier Siles, Head Instructor

Head Instructor

Meet Sensei Javier Siles

Sensei Javier began practicing judo at age nine in Madrid, Spain, later continuing his training in the Canary Islands, where he earned his black belt at nineteen. Alongside judo, he also trained in traditional Japanese jiu-jitsu, Aikidō, and kickboxing, which broadened his understanding of self-defense and martial movement. His journey took him to Taiwan and later Utah, where he trained under USA Stars of Salt Lake City Judo Club, before continuing in Florida through coaching and officiating. His competition background includes local, collegiate, and national-level tournaments. He holds the rank of 3rd dan and currently serves as a USA Judo Continental Coach and Regional Referee, actively supporting athletes and events across Florida.

Serving students seeking judo classes in Riverview, Brandon, and Tampa with expert instruction rooted in authentic martial arts tradition.

What Makes Us Different

Dragon Judo Academy is a place for real judo taught with care. We emphasize fundamentals—throws, grips, pins, breakfalls—and the values that make judo meaningful at every age. Our instructors provide patient, attentive coaching so every student feels supported.

Fundamentals-first judo training for all levels
Kids, adults, and family-friendly programs
Classes in English with Spanish available
USA Judo certified instruction
Free first class for all new students
Weekend schedule for busy families

Training

Our Programs

From youth fundamentals to adult judo and private lessons, find the right path on the mat for every age and experience level.

Youth Judo

Designed to help young students build confidence, respect, and strong fundamentals. Classes blend technical learning with fun, age-appropriate drills that develop coordination, discipline, and teamwork.

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Adult Judo

A welcoming program for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. Adults train in a supportive environment that emphasizes technique, fitness, and personal growth while exploring the deeper values of judo.

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Private Lessons

Personalized one-on-one training for focused attention, faster progress, or specialized guidance. Available upon request, contact Sensei Javier for details.

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The Gentle Way

What Is Judo?

Judo is a modern Japanese martial art founded in 1882 by Jigoro Kano. Built on the principles of efficiency, balance, and mutual respect, judo emphasizes using an opponent's energy rather than relying on strength alone.

Training includes throws, pins, transitions, and controlled groundwork, all practiced in a safe and disciplined environment. More than a combat system, judo is a path of personal development. Its name means “the gentle way,” reflecting its focus on technique, strategy, and self-control rather than force.

Whether you're searching for beginner judo classes, kids judo in Tampa, or martial arts in Riverview, judo offers a complete path for body and mind.

Why Train

Benefits of Practicing Judo

From physical fitness to mental discipline, judo develops the whole person on and off the mat.

Physical Fitness

Strength, flexibility, coordination, and conditioning.

Balance & Body Awareness

Posture, stability, and precise movement.

Self-Defense Skills

Learn how to safely control and neutralize an opponent.

Mental Discipline

Focus, resilience, patience, and problem-solving.

Confidence & Respect

Build humility, courtesy, and quiet confidence.

Community & Belonging

A supportive environment to grow on and off the mat.

Character

Judo Values

Judo carries forward the ethical foundation of bushidō, helping students grow not only as athletes, but as people.

Respect

Treat instructors, training partners, opponents, and yourself with dignity.

Courage

Face challenges, discomfort, and competition with bravery.

Integrity

Do what is right, even when no one is watching.

Honor

Carry yourself with humility, responsibility, and respect for the art.

Loyalty

Support your dojo, teammates, and the people who help you grow.

Self-Control

Practice discipline in your actions, emotions, and decisions.

Compassion

Use strength to protect, serve, and uplift others.

Visit Us

Class Schedule

Join us for judo classes in Riverview, convenient for families across Brandon and the Tampa area.

Hours

Saturday10:00–11:00 AM
Sunday8:45–10:00 AM

Location

10528 Lake St Charles Blvd, Riverview, FL 33578

Hosted at Gracie Brandon.

All students must complete a liability waiver before participating. Complete the waiver online or on site before your first class.

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FAQ

Common Questions About Judo in Riverview

Quick answers for families in Riverview, Brandon, and Tampa.

Yes. Dragon Judo Academy welcomes students with no martial arts experience. Sensei Javier introduces fundamentals step by step, safe falling, basic movement, and simple techniques, so beginners build confidence from day one.

No prior experience is required. Our classes are structured for first-time students as well as returning athletes. You will learn at a pace matched to your ability.

Fill out the contact form on our website, call 385-242-1095, or message us on Instagram. We will confirm your visit and answer any questions before you arrive.

Comfortable athletic clothing works for your first visit, a t-shirt and athletic pants or shorts without zippers or buttons. If you continue training, you will need a judo gi (uniform).

No. A gi is not required for your free trial class. Wear comfortable workout clothes. We can help you order a proper judo gi when you decide to continue.

Youth judo at Dragon Judo Academy is designed for children who can follow instruction and participate safely in group training. Contact us to discuss whether your child is ready to begin.

Absolutely. Many adults begin judo in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and beyond. Judo rewards technique and balance over raw strength, making it accessible at any adult age.

Judo is practiced in a controlled, supervised environment. Students learn safe falling (ukemi) before throws, and all partner work is coached carefully. Safety is a core priority at every class.

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Get Started

Your First Class Is Free

Just come in, step onto the mat, and experience judo for yourself. Whether you're brand-new or returning to training, you'll get a safe, friendly introduction to the fundamentals while having fun. We guide you every step of the way. Free trial available, just come and try. Classes taught in English, with Spanish available.

Phone

385-242-1095

dragonjudoacademy@gmail.com

Address

10528 Lake St Charles Blvd, Riverview, FL 33578

Instagram

@dragonjudoacademy

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Claim your free judo class in Riverview, perfect for beginners exploring martial arts in the Tampa Bay area.

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Kids and adults welcome. We'll respond as soon as possible.