Martial Arts Classes for YOur Fitness Journey

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One week free trial

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Whatever your motivation to begin training, we’ve got the classes and personal attention to make your goals a reality.

The Secret of Getting Ahead is Getting Started.

Ryan Dean's The Dojo Martial Arts and Fitness

Based on 85 reviews

Martial Arts Classes

Two Locations Serving Largo and Oldsmar, Florida

Welcome to Ryan Dean’s The Dojo: Your Family’s Home for Martial Arts

Thinking about martial arts classes, but feel a little intimidated? You’re not alone.

We understand that stepping into a dojo for the first time can be a big step—whether you’re a parent looking for a safe, structured activity for your child or an adult who wants to get fit and learn self-defense without the pressure.

What is a Martial Arts Dojo?

A dojo (道場) is a Japanese term for a place of dedicated learning, traditionally for martial arts. The word literally translates to “place of the Way,” signifying a space where individuals can immerse themselves in an art form, developing their physical, mental, and spiritual selves while fostering qualities like respect, discipline, and humility

What Makes Our Dojo Different?

We’re not like any other martial arts school in the area. We have two very unique strengths that make us a perfect fit for families in Largo and Seminole.

We are the ONLY Judo Dojo in the Area

Judo is about gentle strength and using your opponent’s momentum against them. It’s a fantastic martial art for all ages, teaching discipline, balance, and control in a safe environment. We are proud to be the only dojo in the Largo and Seminole area where you can learn this unique and effective martial art.

A Unique Combination of Karate and Judo

Instead of just one discipline, our dojo offers a powerful combination. Our traditional Uechi Ryu Karate classes focus on striking, footwork, and forms, while our Judo classes focus on throws and grappling.

This unique cross-training approach provides a well-rounded skill set that isn’t available anywhere else. It’s the perfect way to build confidence and capability for everyone in the family.

Ready to Take the First Step?

We want you to feel confident and comfortable from day one. That’s why we invite you to experience our dojo for yourself with a 100% Free Week-Long Trial.

Your FREE TRIAL includes:

• A Personal Introduction: We’ll greet you and ensure you or your child feel safe and welcomed from the moment you walk through our doors.
• Safe, Guided Classes: Our instructors will work with you at your pace, introducing new techniques in a controlled and simple manner. There’s no pressure, no high-intensity competition, just a focus on learning.
• No Obligation: The one week trial is completely free with no pressure to sign up. It’s simply an opportunity for you and your family to discover if martial arts at our dojo is the right fit.

You can also call us at (727) 542-2911 to learn more.

Find the Right Classes for You

We offer a range of classes designed for every member of the family.

• Kids Martial Arts: Our classes teach focus, discipline, and respect while building strength and coordination in a fun environment.
• Adult Karate: A great way to get fit, reduce stress, and learn practical self-defense techniques.
• Adult Judo: Perfect for all fitness levels, our classes teach leverage and technique over brute strength.
• Family Classes: A unique opportunity to train and learn together.

At Ryan Dean’s The Dojo, we’ve built a welcoming, non-intimidating environment where everyone can learn and grow. Our instructors are dedicated to helping you or your child succeed, no matter your age, fitness level, or experience. We believe martial arts should be a positive and empowering journey.

Martial Arts Classes will take you on a long, fulfilling journey that continues for life. Whatever your reasons, starting the journey can be both challenging and intimidating.

Membership at The Dojo gives you a variety of classes and training options to realize your goals while meeting the needs of your busy schedule.

We look forward to welcoming you to the mat!

Martial Arts Sensei – Ryan Dean

“When I started martial arts training as a teenager, I wanted to learn how to fight and be a”tough guy”. However, what I’ve learned from almost 40 years of martial arts training is that being the best fighter pales in comparison to everything else I have gained from my training.

As a young, cocky teenager I had a short fuse and a lot to learn. I was lucky to have some true karate masters to serve as my role models.

The skill of their techniques was and still is amazing,  yet they carry themselves without a drop of arrogance.

My teachers taught me that having the ability to hurt someone carries with it a great responsibility never to be misused. 

Self defense should only be used as a last resort when there are no other options. I personally had to work on my own self-control and how to use my skills to help others.

Martial Arts have taught me how to think before I act, pay attention to detail, and finish what I start. I always urge parents to explore martial arts training for their children! The benefits last a lifetime.”

Ready to Begin Martial Arts Training?

Prospective students sometimes think they need to get into better shape before beginning JudokaFit or Martial Arts Classes. Don’t put your goals on hold for later! Our school is a family environment where you will be encouraged, not judged.

Our students have all different abilities and help each other realize the shared goals of self-improvement and empowerment. Come experience firsthand the benefits of our Martial Arts and JudokaFit Fitness classes. You and your family are invited to visit our school today as welcome guests.

How Do YOU Want to Get Started?

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Rave Reviews | Martial Arts Classes

Excellent

Ryan Dean's The Dojo Martial Arts and Fitness

Based on 99 reviews

review us on

Jake Seary

I had taken karate classes as a child and decided to try to take up training again as an adult early last year. I can honestly say that adding martial arts to my life was one of the best decisions I've ever made. The world of martial arts is expansive, and even the most basic fundamentals have layers to unpack and improve at. This might be intimidating if it weren't for Sensei Ryan and the inviting community he fosters. Ryan is an amazing martial artist and a fantastic teacher who sincerely cares about every student's progress and understands that different people will learn at different paces. The other sensei are also excellent, and even the students are eager to help each other learn and improve. I have noticed substantial progress in my physical fitness and skill since I started, and I know I have a long way to go still, but I am not overwhelmed whatsoever; I actually look forward to the journey at this dojo. If you're on the fence about starting classes, do yourself a favor and just try it out. You won't regret it.

Arissa Roberts

Awesome and Wonderful environment! So respectful Sensei Ryan is the BEST!

E J

Recently went there with my club to see how a different dojo handles their practice, and I had a great time. Especially getting the pointers from the brown belt that worked with me, Alvin, was really good. If my club plans another outing, I’m definitely attending again.

Vivian

I go here with my university club. Very welcoming and great extra practice for the club. Highly recommend!

Kevin HH

Great coach and great environment to learn judo. Friendly for beginners, while also remaining competitive. Ryan’s a stand-out guy who you’ll learn a lot from.
I’ll definitely be back.

Gabriel Frias

I loved coming here I'm part of the USF Judo club, and we received an invitation to be at their premises. I felt truly honored to be there, I performed exercises and techniques that I havent performed, and I had just such a wonderful time. I'll forever remember coming here, and I'll definitely come again, hopefully sooner than later.

Noah Hickey

I was invited with the USF judo club to come and practice and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Tonight was some of the most fun I’ve had over the last 5 years practicing martial arts. Super friendly too and incredibly helpful. I learned so much in just one night and am looking forward to coming back.

Antoine Fournand

Greta coach and great environment, Ryan always has a smile on his face and loves what he does which makes learning an amazing experience. I definitely recommend showing up and trying it out.

Sam Rosenblum

Great instructors. Ryan really knows his stuff.

Hope S. (Hope)

I've honestly never been here but when I was younger, I met them and they were the kindest people ever.

K. Tuggs

My daughter went to after school care at The Dojo for many years. Two days a week they learned karate, two days a week they learned Judo, and then Friday was fun Friday. She had a lot of fun and made great friends all while learning self-defense. She also went to the summer camp for many years. There was a lot of fun field trips, games, challenges, and much more! This is a very family friendly environment. We are glad that this was part of her Elementary and middle school years.

Andrea Douthirt

Ryan Dean is an excellent instructor. The staff are genuine people who are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about martial arts. The Dojo is an excellent place to learn and advance your skills.

Admira Milosevic

Ryan Dean’s Martial Arts summer camp is absolutely fantastic! Children have an amazing time learning new skills, making friends and most importantly staying active. The staff is incredibly patient and skilled, creating a fun and supportive environment. The camp activities are well organized, engaging, and perfectly suited for kids. I highly recommend for any parent looking for a top notch summer camp experience! Thank you Ryan and the crew!!!!!❤️

Kalby Chanthalansy

Sensei Ryan and his team of experienced instructors provide a safe and supportive environment for children to learn and grow. The kids enjoy the engaging and interactive classes, and the summer camp is always a highlight of their year.

Chen Liu

The Dojo is a fantastic place for children to socialize, learn valuable life benefits of Karate, and get great excersize at the same time in an inclusive and nurturing environment. The staff there loves their job and their interactions truly shows how much they care for the attending children!

Comet Brown

Absolutely the best place around whether you want to learn martial arts for self development, competition, or self defense. The best people you’ll ever meet. The minute you walk in you will be treated like family, and indefinitely. I taught the kids school for 2 years and it is the best place for kids to develop socially and channel their energy into something extremely positive and self developmental.

Galvin Emesibe

Competant fighters in both Uechi Ryu Karate and Judo. Great fitness program for competitive fighters, athletes, or folks looking to get in legitimate shape. Also has both afternoon and a prior after school program for kids to get early exposure to a striking or grappling competitive martial art framework.

Jillian Freeman

Our son has been going to the dojo for both after school care & classes as well as summer camp for the past 2 years. He enjoys the karate, and they pick him up from school so I just need to pick him up from the dojo when I'm done working. And with the summer camp they go on tons of field trips and have lots of fun. Sensei Ryan is great, always available to talk to any parent who asks for a minute of his time.

Michelle Wendleton

Love this place and Ryan he is the best 😁 my daughter goes here after school and she absolutely loves it ❤️ I highly recommend this place staff and kiddos are very happy and welcoming 🥰

Kate Doerfler

Best gym in the area! Welcoming, family environment for all ages

Jakob Shepherd

I’ve never felt more welcome training at a new place. Very knowledgeable instruction, very supportive students. Overall a wonderful experience.

Contavious Hicks

The Reviews are nothing but the Upmost Geniality responses. How can you resist a place as Such I’m anxious to sign my son and daughter up now!!

Adrian Mullins

Ryan is a great coach, and was very welcoming when I visited from West Virginia.

Sophie Dean

I know this is my dad and his dojo but I truly think that his dojo is the best. His dojo is very welcoming to anyone. I have been at this dojo for 11+ years and I enjoy every minute I am here. I definitely recommend signing up.

Rhadi Isabelle Ferguson

I had an excellent experience and Ryan Dean's dojo when I attended a seminar there with Olympian Nick Delpopolo. Great times. Clean environment and Sensei Dean is very nice.

Lourdes Martinez

Sensei Ryan is awesome. Sensei Michael showed me some cool throws.

Marie St Geraud

My son has been a faithful student of Ryan Dean for nearly 4 years now (and sadly, I’m JUST NOW writing this long deserved review!) My son is part of the after school program and the summer camp, and I cannot say enough great things about this place. The staff that provides the after care is amazing— Ms. Ellie and Ms. Claire keep these kids in line but also keep them constantly engaged with active fitness games. You can guarantee your child will learn respect and develop confidence by being part of this dojo, as mine has. My son is homeschooled so dropping him off for the afterschool program has been a godsend to supplement his social interaction and physical fitness. We absolutely love the dojo and would follow Ryan Dean wherever he goes!

Chelsea Chaney

I love the bootcamp classes Ryan provides and couldn't wait for my son to turn 5 and start karate. Ryan is so patient with him and makes the classes fun and engaging. My son gets bored easily, but not here! I am so happy with how much he has learned already.

Robert Kaiser

There are some serious good memories here and many more in the making!

Bruce Tulgan

Master Ryan Dean is a world class athlete and a world class human being. He is a gifted martial artist and teacher with decades of experience. He is a leader in the martial arts community —- not just locally but also nationally as President of the North American Jiteki Jyukyu Association. Other masters turn to him for guidance and for our own training —- he is a master among masters. He is also kind and responsible and charismatic and truly a great teacher who has built an entire community of students and advanced practitioners and teachers and their families ... My own area of expertise is talent assessment — and in my professional opinion you could not find a better dojo than one led by Ryan Dean.

Colin Arcadi

AMAZING DOJO IN ALL ASPECTS!!! Come see for yourself

Colin Arcadi

AMAZING TEACHERS AMAZING DOJO

Pippa Graham

We LOVE both dojo locations! The family have been going to the Seminole location for a long time, for adult fitness classes and kids karate classes.
We had the pleasure of going to the new Oldsmar location this week and it’s great! Its such a great location. My daughter loved the personalized karate class she took. Sensei Ryan gave all the kids individual attention, and it’s all my 5 yr old has talked about since.
Sensei Ryan Dean is such an amazing person and a fabulous instructor. We just can’t say enough wonderful things about him. He has such knowledge and expertise on training, and truly cares about people and their success.
I highly recommend the Dojo!

Alban Neziri

Sensei Ryan is an exceptional martial artist and a great person. Ryan introduces and demonstrates the techniques in a way that anyone can understand, and I could not have asked for a better Sensei. I highly recommend the dojo to anyone. The people there are also extremely friendly and welcoming and willing to assist you if they notice you need help with a certain technique, which makes the experience that much more meaningful and positive.

Calvin Frazier

Really excited to have a quality dojo like this in our area. What a great job they did remodeling the building. The best part is Sensei Ryan Dean and his staff. They exhibit patience and understanding along with their decades of experience. Can’t wait for my grandchildren to get started. Stop by for a visit and support a locally owned business. They have programs for all levels and ages.

Alban Neziri

Sensei Ryan is an exceptional person and an even better martial artist. Ryan truly follows and embodies the essence of a martial artist well and does his best to explain and demonstrate the techniques in a way that is easy to understand. My martial arts journey started when I was younger, but I never thought I could do it. Now, I am back into martial arts and fortunate to have as good of a Sensei as Ryan. I highly recommend the dojo.

Gary Elert

I"ve practiced at a number of martial arts schools throughout the years and Ryan Dean is by far the top instructor I've encountered. Ryan has excellent, down-to-earth communications abilities which he uses to teach complex skills at a level that the average student can understand and learn. I highly recommend Sensei Ryan to all students whether this is the first time you are stepping into a martial arts dojo or whether you have been practicing for years.

Azher Hamid

Sensei Ryan Dean is one of a kind, I train with him at his Seminole school in both Karate and Judo and he is the best in the Bay Area in martial arts. Super happy about the oldsmar location for those who live in north pinellas. I highly recommend this place to learn real traditional Okinawa Karate for all ages.

Jeffrey DeArmond

Ryan is superb with my four-year-old grandson who is a great student. I am so glad that I have enrolled him in this wonderful program and Ryan is so patient and really good with these kids. I have been to the other martial arts classes and Ryan Dean Martial Arts is by far the best.

Lee Pearlman

My 5 year old went to the judo classes and loved them. Sensei Dean is a great teacher.

Charles Barrett

Ryan is awesome.

Carrie Jannazo

Sensei Ryan is the real deal. He takes his profession and his students very seriously. He works very hard and it shows with his dedication. We are very blessed to have found this school. I'm looking forward to continued success with our son! Thanks Ryan!