Art of Takedowns - Judo & Grappling Academy Introduce
Welcome to Art of Takedowns - Judo & Grappling Academy, a premier martial arts school located in Escondido, California. We are a unique training facility dedicated to cultivating well-rounded grapplers by blending the most effective techniques from different martial arts. Under the exceptional leadership of Sensei Johnny Leon Guerrero, an elite judoka with a deep understanding of wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu, we provide a learning environment that is both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition. This isn't just a gym; it’s a place where students of all ages and backgrounds can learn to master the art of grappling, build incredible physical fitness, and develop the mental fortitude needed for success both on and off the mat.
Our academy stands out by offering a holistic approach to martial arts. We believe that a true martial artist is proficient in multiple disciplines, which is why our curriculum seamlessly integrates Judo, wrestling, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). This comprehensive training ensures that our students are not only competent on the ground but are also lightyears ahead of their competitors in takedowns and throws. Sensei Johnny's teaching philosophy goes beyond physical techniques; he is a patient and skilled teacher who is devoted to helping every student unlock their full potential. This commitment to both technical excellence and personal growth makes Art of Takedowns a remarkable gym, even when compared to those in much larger cities.
Our academy is conveniently located at 601 N Broadway b, Escondido, CA 92025. This central location makes us easily accessible for residents of Escondido and surrounding North County communities like San Marcos, Vista, and Rancho Bernardo. We understand the importance of convenience for our students, and our location helps ensure that your path to martial arts mastery is as straightforward as possible.
Art of Takedowns is deeply committed to inclusivity and accessibility. We are proud to offer a facility with a wheelchair accessible entrance, a wheelchair accessible parking lot, and wheelchair accessible seating, ensuring that our training space is welcoming to all members of our community. We believe that the benefits of martial arts—physical, mental, and emotional—should be available to everyone, regardless of physical ability. To make things even easier, we provide free on-site parking for all our students and guests. For those with busy schedules, we have an appointment required policy to ensure that every student receives the dedicated attention they deserve during classes.
At Art of Takedowns, we offer a diverse range of programs designed to meet a variety of needs, from competitive athletes to individuals seeking personal fitness and self-defense skills.
Services Offered:
- Judo & Grappling Classes: We offer youth Judo classes and adult Judo classes, covering a wide range of grappling techniques. Our curriculum includes Judo for BJJ and Judo for wrestling, emphasizing the vital role of takedowns in modern grappling.
- Specialized Grappling Disciplines: Our training extends to wrestling, Kosen Judo (ground techniques), Sambo, and Jiu-Jitsu, ensuring a well-rounded skillset for every student.
- Self-Defense Training: Practical and effective self-defense courses designed to equip students with real-world skills.
- Personalized Training: We offer Private Judo Lessons, as well as one-on-one personal training for all levels, including specialized personal training for individuals with disabilities.
- Physical Fitness Programs: Our services include aerobics, stretching, and targeted personal training to help you achieve your fitness goals. We also provide nutrition consulting to support a healthy lifestyle.
- Additional Martial Arts: We offer classes in Kickboxing, boxing lessons, and other combatives to provide a comprehensive fighting system.
- On-site and Outdoor Services: We provide both on-site and outdoor services, offering flexible training options to fit your needs.
Art of Takedowns is more than just a place to train; it is a hub of innovation and community. Our unique features and highlights make us a truly exceptional place to learn and grow.
Features / Highlights:
- Elite Coaching from a Rare Talent: Sensei Johnny Leon Guerrero is a genuinely rare and special talent. As an elite judoka with a lifelong dedication to studying and training Judo, wrestling, and BJJ, he offers a level of blended expertise that is both brilliant and uncommon.
- Holistic Training Philosophy: Our curriculum combines the best of multiple grappling arts, preparing students to be "ultra competent on the ground" and "lightyears ahead of 95% of competitors on the feet." This forward-thinking approach is considered the inevitable future of the sport.
- Inclusive & Patient Instruction: Sensei Johnny is a patient and skilled teacher who is dedicated to training everyone from elite competitors to regular people and children.
- Focus on Personal Development: Beyond the physical aspects, our training fosters fortitude, discipline, and improved attitude, as demonstrated by the significant improvement in the daily life of a young student.
- Family-Friendly Options: We offer family discounts and a safe, encouraging environment for youth and adults alike.
- Convenient Amenities: We have a gender-neutral restroom and an overall comfortable facility to ensure a positive experience for everyone.
To learn more about our programs or to schedule your free trial class, please contact us at the following. We require an appointment to ensure we can give you our full attention during your visit.
Contact Information:
Address: 601 N Broadway b, Escondido, CA 92025, USA
Phone: (760) 896-1159
Choosing a martial arts academy can be a life-changing decision, and Art of Takedowns offers a compelling case for why it's the right choice for you and your family. The most significant reason is the caliber of instruction provided by Sensei Johnny Leon Guerrero. As one review highlighted, his genius lies in "blending the different arts together," offering a unique and cutting-edge approach that you simply won't find at most other gyms. This makes the academy a remarkable resource, even in large cities, providing an advantage to students that is unparalleled.
Beyond the technical expertise, our academy is a place where personal transformation happens. A parent of a five-year-old noted a "huge improvement in his attitude" and observed that Judo "is also a mental one that requires fortitude." This speaks directly to our commitment to building not just a strong body, but also a resilient and disciplined mind. Our programs are tailored to help individuals of all ages and abilities grow, from youth classes that build confidence and focus to specialized training for individuals with disabilities. The welcoming and inclusive environment, combined with a forward-thinking curriculum, ensures that every student feels safe, supported, and challenged to achieve their personal best. If you're in the Escondido area and looking for a martial arts school that offers an elite level of training in a genuinely supportive community, Art of Takedowns is the clear choice.
Art of Takedowns - Judo & Grappling Academy Services
Judo School
- youth Judo classes
- adult Judo classes
- Private Judo Lessons
- Judo Lessons for individuals with disabilities
- Specialized Judo training
- Self-Defense Training
- wrestling
- judo for bjj
- judo for wrestling
- Kosen Judo
- Sambo
- Jiu-Jitsu
- Combatives
Martial Arts School
- Kickboxing
Physical Fitness Program
- Aerobics
- Nutrition consulting
- Personal training
- Personal training for individuals with disabilities
- boxing lessons
- Stretching
Art of Takedowns - Judo & Grappling Academy Details
Service options
- Outdoor services
- Onsite services
- Online classes
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Planning
- Appointment required
Payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Family discount
Parking
- Free parking lot
- On-site parking
Art of Takedowns - Judo & Grappling Academy Photos
Art of Takedowns - Judo & Grappling Academy Location
Art of Takedowns - Judo & Grappling Academy
601 N Broadway b, Escondido, CA 92025, USA
Art of Takedowns - Judo & Grappling Academy Reviews
senseisportskilled
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Sensei Johnny Leon Guerrero is a genuinely rare and special talent in grappling. He’s an elite judoka, but has devoted his life to studying and training the main grappling arts together-judo, wrestling, and bjj. What he’s doing in blending the different arts together is brilliant. Right now, this is very unusual, but going forward in the next 10-15 years, I believe it’s the inevitable future of the sport. Takedowns are an enormous, understudied part of jiu jitsu. If you train at AOT, you’ll be lightyears ahead of 95% of competitors on the feet and ultra competent on the ground. You’re not likely to find many instructors who are so skilled in all these fields. You’re especially not likely to find someone with these abilities who is also a patient and skilled teacher, willing to train everyone from elite competitors to regular people. Even in large cities, this is a remarkable gym.
January 26 · Mike FoxTook my 5 year old here and it was a great experience. Johnny is a great coach of kids and does a great job of teaching them and keeping them safe while they learn the basics of the craft. My son had a huge improvement in his attitude as well as while Judo is a physical activity it is also a mental one that requires fortitude and it showed in his day to day life.
April 11 · Alex ButtweilerIf you want to learn real Judo from a real Sensei this is the place. Sensei Jhonny takes the time to teach you well and according to your age. Highly recommended!
December 29 · Juan Francisco ValenzuelaI joined the AOT with my 9 y.o. son about a year ago and it has been a fantastic experience so far. Johnny Guerrero, the coach, is truly amazing. He is incredibly patient and has a gift for working with kids. Johnny teaches the authentic Japanese style of Judo and his passion for the sport is contagious. The facility is spotless and well-organized, creating a clean and inviting environment. The community of adults and children at the school is welcoming and friendly, making it a great place to learn and grow in the sport of Judo. I highly recommend this school to anyone looking to improve their skills and be a part of a supportive and fun community. 5 stars!
February 09 · Dmitry BondarevMy 5 year old and 7 year old absolutely love the classes here, sensei Johnny has a patient and firm manner with the kids and gives great instruction.
November 13 · Touba W
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