Transform Your Body and Mind
Train with the best instructors at Spartan Judo Club and achieve your goals
About Spartan Judo Club
Our Philosophy
At Spartan Judo Club, we believe in the principles of Judo - maximum efficiency, mutual welfare and benefit, and respect for others. Our goal is to instill these values in our students and help them become not just better athletes, but better people.
We are non-profit !
everyone trains for free!
Let's grow judo !
Our classes
At Spartan Judo Club, our students are as young as 4 years of age
Instruction includes:
- Fundamental Techniques (Kihon): Proper movement, balance, gripping, and breakfalls (ukemi).
- Throwing Techniques (Nage-waza): Safe and effective execution of standing throws.
- Ground Techniques (Ne-waza): Pins, transitions, escapes, and submissions.
- Randori :Controlled live practice that allows students to apply techniques in a dynamic environment.
- Physical Conditioning: Strength, mobility, coordination, and endurance training designed specifically for judo athletes.
- Competition Preparation: For students interested in tournaments, we provide guidance in strategy, rules, and performance readiness.
Our classes are structured to ensure progressive learning, allowing beginners to build confidence while advanced students continue refining their skills.
Principles and Values of Judo
Judo is more than a sport—it is a discipline that cultivates character and respect. Our program is guided by the principles established by Dr. Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judo:
Seiryoku Zenyo – Maximum Efficiency with Minimum Effort
Students learn to use technique, timing, and balance rather than brute strength to overcome challenges.
Jita Kyoei – Mutual Welfare and Benefit
Training partners support each other’s growth. Success in judo comes from cooperation, respect, and shared progress.
Let's grow judo !
Sponsoring
Proud Sponsor of the Brawlers Ball
We are Proudly Sponsors of Brawlers Ball ; a premier, high-energy Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight night series held in Virginia, featuring local and regional fighters, often with notable MMA legends hosting. Known for raw action and "fight night" atmosphere, it frequently takes place at The Dome in Virginia Beach
Join Our Community
At Spartan Judo Club Judo Academy, we're more than just a martial arts school - we're a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for Judo and a commitment to personal growth. Join us and discover the rewards of training in this amazing sport.
Memories of Spartan Judo Club's Judo Journey
jUDO COACHES AND sENSEI
Head Judo Coach/Club owner Shodan
Dr. Karina is under several federations including USA Judo, IJF and USJA. She is a certified coach under USA Judo and a local referee under USJA. Dr. Karina is a Shodan black belt under USJA where she hosted/ organized the FIrst Regional Judo Tournament in Virginia Beach on July 5, 2025.
Dr. Karina is under professor and Sensei Steven Matias
Sensei Steven Matias 4th degree Black Belt Judo and 2nd degree in BJJ
Vice President of USJA
Professor Steve Matias is the Owner and Head Instructor at Cohesion, he’s a Combat veteran that has served in the Marine Corps, as an Infantryman and Marine Combat Instructor of Water survival. He currently is the Fire Chief of Frontier Shores Fire Department In Osage County. Professor Steve has over 25 years of Martial Arts experiences, is a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, as well as a 4th Degree black belt in Judo under the United States Judo Association.
Professor Steve as of July 19, 2025 was inducted into the Unites States Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
Head Judo Coach Francisco Nidan
Main coach at Spartan Judo that will prepare you for competition when you are ready to compete!
Francisco is highly knowledgeable in competitive Judo and will train you in :
Ne Waza ( grappling)
Tachi-waza (Standing Techniques - 立技): The overall category for throwing techniques performed from a standing position.
Te-waza (Hand Techniques - 手技): Techniques where the thrower (tori) predominantly uses their arms and hands to lift or pull the opponent (uke), such as Ippon Seoi Nage or Tai Otoshi.
Ashi-waza (Foot/Leg Techniques - 足技): Techniques that mainly use the legs or feet to sweep, hook, or trip the opponent. Examples include Ashi Harai (foot sweep) and Ouchi Gari (inner reap).
Coach Grayson Zia Nidan
Grayson Zia is. a Nidan under USJA who supports and provides private classes to Spartan Judo Club
He is a member of our club, a skilled judoka who loves to compete.
Started Judo in 2014 at Riki Dojo in Mesa , AZ under Riki Katagiri Adamcik Sensei.
Practiced at Georgetown Judo from 2017-2020
Taught at Compound Silver Spring from 2019 -2021
Arlington Judo 2020-2025
Our History
Founded in November , 2024 Spartan Judo Club has been providing Judo instruction to students of all ages and skill levels from wrestlers , MMA fighters , BJJ athletes , Muay Thai and boxing athletes .
Our main goal is to grow Judo in Virginia
Our Philosophy
At Spartan Judo Club, we believe that Judo is more than just a sport - it's a way of life. Our training emphasizes not just physical fitness and technique, but also the development of important character traits like discipline, respect, and perseverance. We strive to create an inclusive and supportive community where everyone can grow and thrive.