Judo in Pleasanton — Saturday Classes with Coach Greg Prior
Judo at Ground Rules Academy meets on Saturdays from 10:05 to 11:35 AM at 7034 Commerce Circle, Suite F in Pleasanton. The class is taught by Coach Greg Prior, who studied judo in Japan and teaches in a competition focused, Japanese style. It is open to anyone 13 or older, beginners are welcome, and a judo gi is preferred. Ground Rules is a jiu-jitsu-focused academy that has added judo; it is not a rebrand, and Coach Greg leads the class. Book a free one-day trial.
Meet Coach Greg Prior
Coach Greg Prior studied judo in Japan, and that experience informs a distinctive approach to teaching. Japanese-style instruction provides a safety-first approch with a high level of detail on grips, kuzushi (off-balancing), balance and the completion of each throw. Students with prior judo experience will find a fresh perspective, and students new to judo will be taught good habits from the very beginning.
Greg is a USA Judo President's Cup gold medalist and an IJF Veterans World Championships bronze medalist. He spent 10 years on the U.S. national judo team and is also a world-class competitor in buhurt, full-contact armored combat.
What Class Looks Like
Class runs 90 minutes and focuses on throws, grip fighting and standup. Each class includes a warm-up, technique drills and live drills. Students may wear a BJJ gi to try the class but should invest in a judo gi if they attend regularly.
Who Judo Is For
Judo at Ground Rules is for teens and adults ages 13 and up, and it is beginner-friendly, so no prior judo experience is needed. Jiu-jitsu students who want to strengthen their standup game are welcome, as are students who simply want to learn to throw. There are no special rules for students under 18.
How Judo Supports Your Jiu-Jitsu
Throws give a student a way to reach the top position when a match begins on the feet. Grip fighting develops the ability to control an opponent before he or she has committed to an attack. Standup training also builds confidence when a student is grabbed. Results vary by student, but the work carries over to the mats. For more, see judo vs. BJJ and the post on Saturday judo at Ground Rules.
Judo Membership and Trying a Class
New students can begin with a free one-day trial class: book your trial class. The Judo-Only membership is $89 per month for students who want to train judo only, and students can add jiu-jitsu later at any time. Full details are on the pricing page, and the complete schedule is available there as well. Students seeking one-on-one jiu-jitsu instruction can arrange private BJJ lessons.
Judo for Dublin, Livermore and San Ramon
Students in the Tri-Valley can find directions and class information on our pages for Dublin, Livermore and San Ramon. Families can also visit the kids martial arts page for BJJ programs for younger children. The beginner page, Pleasanton page and about page provide additional information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I train judo in Pleasanton? At Ground Rules Academy, 7034 Commerce Circle, Suite F, on Saturdays from 10:05 to 11:35 AM with Coach Greg Prior.
Who is the coach? Coach Greg Prior leads the Saturday class. He is world-class competitor in judo and buhurt. He teaches with a high level of detail on grips, kuzushi, balance and completion. The class is beginner-friendly and open to ages 13 and up.
I've never done judo. Can I come? Yes. The class is beginner-friendly and open to ages 13 and up.
Do I need to train jiu-jitsu to take judo? No. The Judo-Only membership is $89 per month, and jiu-jitsu can be added later.
Is it okay for my younger child? Judo starts at age 13. For younger children, we recommend BJJ Sprouts (ages 5–7) or BJJ Buds (ages 8–13), described on the kids jiu-jitsu page.
Will judo help my BJJ? Yes, particularly your falls, throws, grip fighting and standup. Results vary by student.
Schedule a Free Trial Class
Book your free one-day trial. We look forward to meeting you.