Yawara Judo
Yawara Judo Fort Worth is a place for students of all ages to learn self-defense, self-discipline, and confidence from a master teacher in a family environment. Come join us for a free trial class!
We hold classes at Lake Country Church (8777 Boat Club Rd, Saginaw, TX 76179) every Saturday from 10:30 am- 1:30 pm.
What is Judo?
Technique
In Judo, students learn to walk properly, breathe properly, throw opponents, and perform pins, chokes, and strikes. All of these techniques are practiced with the guiding principles of mutual benefit and welfare and maximum efficient use of effort in mind. With time and practice, these principles can benefit judoka in their lives outside of the dojo as well.
History
The history of Judo begins with JiuJitsu, a set of traditional grappling techniques practiced by Samurai warriors. Dr. Jigoro Kano practiced two forms of JiuJitsu from an early age, and developed the art of Judo in an effort to combine the best of both traditions. In 1882, he opened a dojo called the Kodokan in Tokyo, Japan to share his approach with others. Judo has since become the second most popular sport worldwide after soccer, and became an official Olympic sport in 1964.
Judo, which was also called Yawara, literally translates to "gentle way." This name was adopted because judoka are taught to defeats opponents by using the opponent's own strength rather than resisting it. This efficient use of effort allows even the smallest players to fight and defend themselves effectively.
Our Approach
Pictured above: back row, left to right; Shane Brisco (San Dan), Joe Terrazas (Ni Dan), Duane Kidman (Shichi Dan), Aria Conde (Sho Dan), Gary Cotton (Shichi Dan), Charlie "Skip" Laney (Hachi Dan), Tony Brown (Roku Dan), David Lay (San Dan), Robin Wilkins (Shichi Kyu). Middle row, left to right; Rey Berrones (Ik Kyu), Elisianna Conde (Roku Kyu), Eden Makengo (Schichi Kyu), Christopher Capote (Ku Kyu), Dudley Raybon (Shichi Dan), Oscar Tinajero (Roku Dan). Front; Elier Capote (Hachi Kyu).
At Yawara Judo, students of all ages and levels of ability train together under the careful instruction of Shi Han Charlie Laney, an 8th degree black belt with over 50 years of teaching experience. As students progress, they are encouraged to help and guide beginners as well, developing a sense of leadership, confidence, and community.
In his teaching, Sensei Laney focuses on technical mastery and safe practices that benefit students on and off the mat, whether they're facing off at competitions, practicing self-defense, or falling safely when the need arises.
A Unique Opportunity
Sensei Laney has produced over 65 black belts and numerous national champions over the course of his Judo career. He is widely known and respected for his exceptional understanding of Judo, and his deep knowledge and commitment provide students of all levels a truly unique learning opportunity.
All classes are open to visitors, so feel free to stop by and see for yourself!
Classes and Schedule
General Judo
Champion Martial Arts, Saturdays, 10:30am-12:00pm
This class covers the foundational techniques, history, and vocabulary of Judo. Students will learn to fall safely, and will progress through a variety of throws and hold downs through structured drills and free sparring practice.
Students in this class practice with Judo players of all sizes and levels of skill in order to learn from each other and to develop versatile, well rounded technique. As they advance, older students are given regular opportunities to assist with beginners under close supervision of Sensei Laney. Students in this class develop confidence, strength and leadership skills as they practice Judo fundamentals.
Advanced Judo
Champion Martial Arts, Saturdays, 12:00pm-1:30pm
This class is open to older students and those preparing for their green belt or above. Students in this class refine and perfect their technique, and begin to apply their knowledge with practical combinations and counters through structured drills and free sparring practice. Advanced students over age 13 can begin to learn choking techniques, and those above age 17 may practice joint locks.
Students in this class also begin to practice Kata, the traditional sequences of techniques that demonstrate the forms and uses of Judo. Sensei Laney is among the most respected teachers of kata in the United States, offering students a unique learning opportunity.
Have questions about our classes?
Instructors
Charlie "Skip" Laney
Hachi Dan
Charlie "Skip" Laney began studying Judo in 1970 with Senior Sensei Loren Bentley II, the founder of Yawara Judo. He earned his Sho Dan (black belt) in just four years and became an assistant instructor for Sensei Bentley at the Texas Karate Institute. When two of Sensei Bentley's brown belt students, Gary Cotton and Dudley Raybon, began practicing at a West Dallas recreation center, he asked Sensei Laney to instruct them. This proved to be the start of a long and fruitful teaching career, as well as life long friendships. Gary Cotton and Dudley Raybon are still active in the Yawara organization and both were recently promoted to the rank of Shichi Dan (7th degree black belt). Sensei Laney continued to rise through the ranks, receiving his final promotion to Hachi Dan (8th degree black belt) in YEAR. He has produced 65 black belts and numerous national champions over the course of his fifty year teaching career, and has taken on his late Sensei's work as the head of Yawara Judo. Sensei Laney lives in Saginaw, Texas with his wife of 54 years, Larue Laney, and they have two daughters and five grandsons, several of whom study Judo as well.
Getting Started and FAQs
How much do classes cost?
We offer one free trial class. After that, tuition is $55.00 per month per student. This rate covers participation in both the General Class and the Advanced Class.
Tuition is due by the 10th of the month, payable online or by cash or check.
Students must also purchase a $60.00 yearly membership with the United States Judo Association. Students can join online at www.usja.net or by calling (516) 366-3311
What should new students wear?
First time visitors should wear comfortable athletic clothing without metal fasteners. Since Judo is a contact sport, we ask students to remove all jewelry and hairpins and to securely cover any piercings they cannot remove for their own safety and that of others.
Once students decide they'd like to attend regularly, they will need to purchase a Judo Gi (uniform). These are available from a variety of brick-and-mortar and online retailers, and we are happy to help with sizing questions.
Please note that Karate gis are not recommended for Judo, as they are not designed to withstand constant pulling and contact.
When can new students start?
Students can begin at any time.
Are parents or guardians required to stay in the building while their child is in class?
Parents and guardians are not required to be present during class, but they are welcome and encouraged to stay, especially if their children are very young.
How old must children be to participate?
This depends on the maturity of the child, but we generally recommend that children start practicing Judo around age six or seven. Please feel free to visit our General Class to see if your child is ready to get started.
Contact Us
Feel free to contact us with any questions.
We are practicing at
Lake Country Church,
8777 Boat Club Rd Suite 7020,
Saginaw, TX 76179
(682) 459-3555
Student Resources
