An Olympic Sport. An Art. A Way of Life.
Judo is best described as a special martial art derived from Ju-jitsu, using throws, pins, and submissions. It is an Olympic sport, a means of self-defense, and a practice that teaches discipline, builds self-confidence, and provides an outstanding recreation and fitness experience. At the YMCA of the Fox Cities, our Judo program is offered at the Neenah-Menasha YMCA and led by one of the most distinguished Judo instructors in the country. Classes are available for children ages 6 and up through adult, with beginner and advanced levels for both youth and adults.
Our Classes
We offer four class levels at the Neenah-Menasha YMCA, designed to take participants from their first steps on the mat through advanced skill development. Advancement between beginner and advanced classes requires passing a skills test.
Jr. Beginners/Family Judo — Ages 6–13
This is the introductory class for children who wish to start a judo training program. Classes run 75 minutes on Tuesdays. When a participant passes a skills test for their first advancement level, they will move on to the Jr. Advanced/Family Judo class on Thursdays. Anyone over the age of 13 must be part of a family to sign up.
Jr. Advanced/Family Judo — Ages 6–13
This class is the next level for junior participants who wish to continue refining their judo skills. Participants must test out of the Beginner class to join. Classes run 75 minutes on Thursdays. Anyone over the age of 13 must be part of a family to sign up.
Beginner Adult Judo — Ages 13+
This is the adult introductory class for those who want to start a judo training program. Classes run 90 minutes on Tuesdays. When a participant passes a skills test for their first advancement level, they will move on to the Advanced Adult Judo class on Thursdays.
Advanced Adult Judo — Ages 13+
This class is the next adult-level course for those who wish to continue developing their judo skills. Participants must test out of the Beginner class to join. Classes run 90 minutes on Thursdays.
What Judo Builds
Judo is more than a martial art — it’s a discipline that shapes the whole person. Here’s what every student gains on the mat.
Self-Defense
Judo teaches practical self-defense skills — throws, pins, and submissions — in a structured, safe training environment.
Discipline
The focus and respect required in judo practice carry directly into everyday life, school, and work.
Self-Confidence
Mastering new skills and advancing through belt levels builds a quiet, earned confidence that grows with every class.
Fitness
Judo is a dynamic, full-body workout that builds strength, flexibility, coordination, and cardiovascular endurance.
Character
Training alongside others, respecting your instructor and opponents, and learning to win and lose with grace — judo shapes character.
World-Class Instruction at the Y
Our Judo program is led by Sensei Mehdi Mohammadian — a Kudan, 9th degree black belt in Judo and member of both the United States Martial Arts Association Hall of Fame (2002) and the Wisconsin Judo Hall of Fame (2014). Sensei Mehdi began teaching Judo in the United States in 1964 at the Oshkosh YMCA and has been teaching at the Neenah-Menasha YMCA since 1984. He is assisted by a team of experienced black belts: Shandra Stevenson (3rd degree), Katie Sell (4th degree), and Adam Stevenson (2nd degree).
Frequently Asked Questions
Judo is a martial art derived from Ju-jitsu that uses throws, pins, and submissions. It is an Olympic sport, a form of self-defense, and a discipline that builds confidence, fitness, and character.
Classes are available for children ages 6–13 (Jr. classes) and teens and adults ages 13 and up. Anyone over 13 who wishes to join a Jr. class must be part of a participating family.
All Judo classes are held at the Neenah-Menasha YMCA.
No prior experience is required for Beginner classes. The Jr. Beginners and Beginner Adult classes are designed specifically for new students with no judo background.
Advancement from Beginner to Advanced requires passing a skills test. Once a participant successfully passes the test, they move on to the Advanced class held on Thursdays for both youth and adults.
Register online through the program listing on this page. Y members enjoy priority registration and reduced rates. Questions? Contact us at gro.seiticxofacmy@ofniy.
