Desert Judo Club
About
Desert Judo Club on Union Hills Drive
Desert Judo Club is a long-running United States Judo Association (USJA) registered judo program in northwest Peoria, operating in the West Valley since 1970 under head coach Terry D. Carr, sandan (3rd degree black belt). The club practices traditional Kodokan-style judo as codified by Jigoro Kano - throws (nage-waza), groundwork (ne-waza), breakfalls (ukemi), and the bowing etiquette and respect (rei) that frame every session.
Kids Martial Arts Programs
New students start with safe falling before progressing into the full judo catalog:
- Ukemi (learning to fall safely) in the first weeks
- Partner throws and pinning techniques
- Standard throw catalog: osoto-gari, ouchi-gari, seoi-nage, harai-goshi, tai-otoshi
- Ne-waza pins and basic submissions appropriate for age and rank
- Randori (free sparring) as technical control matures
What's Included
- USJA-registered with rank promotions on the standard kyu/dan structure
- Small community-based club with hands-on coaching from a senior instructor
- Small-group attention rare in larger storefront dojos
- Kids and adults train together on the same mat
- Schedule Monday through Thursday evenings, 6:00 to 7:15 PM
Experience
As a small, community-based club rather than a commercial chain, the atmosphere is direct and personal. The Union Hills Drive location serves North Peoria, Glendale, Sun City, and surrounding West Valley communities. The club suits families wanting authentic Kodokan judo with senior-instructor attention rather than a storefront chain. Inquiries about youth-class fit and trial visits are handled by phone.