Tucson Dojo
Tucson Dojo offers free judo classes for youth and adults
In 1972, Sensei Steve Owen founded Tucson Dojo. The dojo and competition team were supervised and guided by his Sensei William Kent Carson, an eighth-degree Kodokan black belt.
Tucson dojo teaches traditional Kodokan Judo. We are not an MMA gym. We are not a jujitsu gym. Our core values are family-orientated. Tucson Dojo has never charged dues for Judo lessons, workouts, or clinics performed by our Senseis. Our teaching staff are certified by USA Judo and receive no salary.
In 1972 there were over twenty Judo dojos through out Southern Arizona. Many of those dojos were taught by brown belt judokas. To improve our Judo knowledge and competitive skills we began to study and train together to provide a larger class structure, with more participants and access to more advanced black belt instructors. To honor that commitment and to compete successfully for team championships, it was unanimously agreed that each Judoka would represent his/her dojo/sensei but as a combined teammates we would complete as “Tucson Dojos”.
Tucson Dojo is actively teaching Kodokan Judo classes for all levels. Since 2013, we have been in partnership with Higher Ground, a 501c non-profit organization advancing community schools strategy and executive function skills in schools. We teach classes in numerous public and charter schools in Southern Arizona.
Tucson Dojo has consistently worked towards a positive learning environment for our students and the Southern Arizona community. We have coached champions at all levels, from novice, national, international and Olympic-ranked competitors.
Tucson Dojo is a recognized member of Kodokan Judo, Pan American Judo Congress (PJC), USA Judo (USJI), USJF, USJA, Arizona State Commission, and Arizona State Judo Inc.
Practices are currently held at Wakefield Middle School.
On March 11, 2026, our founder and beloved Sensei Steve Owen passed away.
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Judo is a martial art that was born in Japan, and it is now known around the world as an Olympic sport. Judo was created in 1882 by combining jujutsu, a form of close combat, with elements of mental discipline. The roots of jujutsu lie in sumo. Sumo has a very long history and is even mentioned in the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters) from the year 712.
Judo is one of the most practiced sport in the world. Judo is typically in the top 5 sports in terms of the number of participating nations in the Summer Olympics. While the number of participating nations may vary slightly from one Olympics to another, judo is consistently among the most widely represented sports at the Games. While athletics, aquatics, gymnastics, and boxing are also popular and widely represented, judo consistently ranks among the top 5 sports in terms of global participation. This level of global representation underscores the widespread practice and appreciation of judo across the world.
Judo traces its roots back to the samurai era in Japan, when jujutsu was developed as a close-quarters combat technique. During the Meiji Restoration, Kano Jigoro, the founder of modern judo, combined the best elements of various jujutsu styles into a new school. In 1882, at the age of 21, he established judo as we know it today. Despite starting with just nine students in a small practice hall, Kano's vision and dedication led to the global spread of judo.
Kano's efforts to promote judo internationally were realized when it was recognized as an official Olympic event at the Tokyo Olympics in 1964. Women's judo was introduced as a demonstration event in 1988 and became an official Olympic event in 1992.
As of March 2021, the International Judo Federation has 204 member countries and regions, showcasing the global reach and participation in judo. Kano's dream of the "internationalization of judo" has become a reality, thanks to his tireless efforts and the continued dedication of judo practitioners worldwide.
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Youth Program (5 - 17)
Tuesdays: 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Thursdays: 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Advance and Competition Youth Program (5 - 17, competitors and advance students only)
Mondays & Wednesdays: 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Adults
Mondays: 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Tuesdays: 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Thursdays: 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Combined Classes
Saturdays: 9:00am
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In 1972 there were over twenty Judo dojos throughout Southern Arizona. Many of those dojos were taught by brown belt judokas. To improve our Judo knowledge and competitive skills we began to study and train together. This provides a larger class structure, with more participants having access to more advanced black belt instructors.
To honor that commitment and to compete successfully for team championships, it was unanimously agreed that each Judoka would represent his dojo/sensei but would compete as a combined team under “Tucson Dojos”.
In 1980 the Judo dojos had been reduced to a smaller group with Sensei Owen teaching at most of these dojos. After the restructuring, it was decided to change the name to “Tucson Dojo."
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“If There Is Effort, There Is Always Accomplishment.” Jigoro Kano
