Masterton Judo and Ju Jitsu Academy is the only martial arts school in Masterton to learn the martial arts of Judo, Aikido and Japanese Ju Jitsu.
Many people come to Masterton Judo & Ju Jitsu Academy to learn self defense, others may have different fitness, technical or spiritual goals. We will help you to strive to reach them, though they will all require effort, hard work and commitment. We pride ourselves in providing a friendly and inspiring place to train . New participants, whether experienced martial artists or complete beginners, ar
e always welcome. Please feel free to stop by at any class, any time of year, to see if classes in Judo or Ju Jitsu are what you are looking for. Beginners are welcome all year round, and your first couple of sessions are free. As the sessions are practical, it's best to wear something loose and comfortable like a t-shirt and tracksuit bottoms, a belt and gi jacket can be borrowed from the changing room. Judo is a modern martial art and combat sport created in Japan in 1882 by Jigoro Kano from his studies in classical ju jitsu (mostly Tenji-shinyo ryu and Kito ryu schools). Judo teaches the principle of flexibility in the application of technique. This is the flexible or efficient use of balance, leverage, and movement in the performance of Judo throws and other skills. Skill, technique and timing, rather than the use of brute strength, are the essential ingredients for success in Judo. For example, in Judo classes you may learn how to give way, rather than use force, to overcome a stronger opponent. Judo is mostly recognised for its competitive element (shiai), where the object is to either throw or takedown one’s opponent to the ground, immobilize or otherwise subdue one’s opponent with a grappling manoeuvre, or force an opponent to submit by joint locking or by executing a strangle hold or choke. However the study of formalised technique (kata) and the application of technique in free-practice (randori) are far more important to developing good Judo for application to shiai. The founding principles of Judo; "Maximum Efficiency” (Seiryoku Zenyo), and "Mutual Welfare and Benefit" (Jita Kyoei) can also be used in our dealings with others in life. The ultimate goal in Judo is to develop oneself to the maximum extent possible, always striving for perfection, so that you can contribute something of value to the world. The style of ju jitsu taught at Masterton Judo & Ju Jitsu Academy is from two schools - Shorinji kan ju jitsu and Olivecrona ju jitsu. We are primarily a close quarters, grappling martial art, with an emphasis on self-defence situations. We do some vital point striking, defensive movement, a lot of joint locking, falling, and a lot more throwing. We learn defences from punches, kicks, headbutts, a variety of grabs, armed attackers, and multiple attackers, both armed and unarmed. At Mudansha grades Ju Jitsu is taught via pre-arranged kata like movements with a partner whilst the techniques or tools of the art are learnt. At Yudansha level Ju Jitsu is experienced in a more free format. The syllabus is that of the Shorinji Kan ju jitsu school, taught via the principles within Olivecrona ju jitsu.
30/08/2026
Currently Metro Judo in Hamilton is fighting to keep its dojo, please help by signing the petition to help them keep their dojo space running for the benefit of the community.
It highlights why Nga Tōtara dojo is incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of Masterton Trust Lands Trust, which allows the community to access our space.
Get ready for an exciting day of Judo action at the Upper Hutt Judo Club!
Whether you're stepping onto the competition mat for the first time or looking to test your skills against other young judoka, the Junior Blue & White Tournament is the perfect opportunity to compete, learn, and have fun in a supportive environment.
📅 Date: 16 August 2026
👦👧 Age Group: Under 14yrs of age
📍 Location: Upper Hutt Judo Club
⚖️ Weigh-in: Starts at 8:15am
🥋 Fights Begin: 9:30am
🏆 Build confidence
🤝 Make new friends
💪 Challenge yourself
🥋 Gain valuable competition experience
📝 Register now on Smoothcomp
We can't wait to see our future champions on the mat!
22/06/2026
Sorry guys, classes are canceled this evening as Simon Sensei is currently fighting a winter bug. Hopefully he’ll be back to normal for Thursday.
15/05/2026
14/05/2026
Tonight was Aubrey and Leilah’s last session at Ngā Tōtara Dojo. Aubrey has been an incredible asset for the club, helping coach the Peewee and Kids Judo classes for the past 4 years, and it is incredibly sad to bid them farewell. To say our thanks the club presented Aubrey and Leilah with a rare first edition copy of Canon of Judo, by Kyuzo Mifune.
Classes won’t be the same without you both, but hopefully we’ll see you at Wellington Judo events in the future. Stay in touch and Domo arigato gozaimasu.
13/05/2026
A massive thank you to Masterton Trust Lands Trust for their ongoing support of Ngā Tōtara Dojo through their concessional rent grant which keeps are fees cheap and our doors open for 2026.
Their support helps us continue providing affordable access to Judo, Japanese Ju Jitsu, Aikido, Goju Ryu Karate and Escrima classes for children (from 4 years up), families and adults from our Wairarapa community.
We truly appreciate your continued backing of our dojo and our wider community. Domo arigato gozaimasu!
02/04/2026
Awesome last session for the end of Term 1. Have a great holiday and we’ll see you all again at the start of Term 2.
Congratulations to Solomon and Jemima on receiving the Masterton Trust Lands Trust Most Improved and Samurai awards for this term.
We also say farewell to Adeline, it’s been a real pleasure, our loss is Koizumi Kwai’s gain.
Thank you to Aubrey and Simon for all your coaching this term.
Ganbatte kudasai!
24/02/2026
Sorry guys, Kids and Peewee Judo classes at the Masterton dojo is cancelled tonight. Two of the coaches have influenza, and the last has an emergency to deal too. Apologies and see you all on Thursday!
27/01/2026
🥋 JUDO IS BACK — 3 FEBRUARY 2026
🥋New year. New goals. Get on the mat. 💪
Judo training kicks off 3 Feb 2026 for kids & teens — beginners welcome!
🔥 Build strength
🔥 Boost confidence
🔥 Learn real skills
🔥 Be part of a great community
📅 Starts: 3 February 2026
4.30pm - Peewee Judo Class (4-6yrs)
5.00pm - Kids Judo Class (7-13yrs)
📍 Ngā Tōtara Dojo
205 Ngaumatawa Road, Masterton
👉 Tag a mate
👉 Parents — perfect sport for kids, let’s start 2026 strong 🥋🔥
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