JūYūKai
A Judo Research Group
Located in Andover, KS, the Juyukai is an invitation-only Judo Research Group designed for adults who want to explore the full depth and breadth of Judo beyond competition.
We are a small, focused community of practitioners committed to studying, testing, and refining our understanding of Judo as a lifelong martial art.
*The Student Training Request Form is located at the bottom of this page.
A Structured Curriculum Built Around Core Flows and the Gokyo
Our study framework is built around a systematic progression through the throws of the Gokyo no Waza, organized into practical application flows that emphasize real-world effectiveness. Each throw is studied not in isolation, but as part of integrated sequences that flow naturally from striking, grip-fighting and off-balancing through to ground control and submission work.
We study the Juyukai flows and kata as formal study tools to understand striking awareness, timing, distance, and classical principles, but our curriculum is structured around functional application rather than kata performance.
Practical, Real-World Judo Applications
We emphasize kuzushi (off-balancing), effective takedowns, positional control, and self-preservation, applying Judo principles to real-world situations. We are not interested in tournament point scoring.
Striking Awareness and Atemi-waza
We train with the assumption that strikes will be present in real encounters. Our curriculum includes ude ate (arm/elbow strikes) and ashi ate (leg/knee strikes) not as primary weapons, but as tools for creating kuzushi, disrupting posture, and setting up throws and controls. This fundamentally changes how we approach grips, distance, and timing compared to sport Judo.
Ground Game Integration
Our primary goal is to throw and establish top position. However, a complete understanding of ne-waza (ground work) is essential for maintaining control after throws, recovering when throws don't go as planned, and defending against skilled opponents.
We study how to seamlessly transition from takedown to control and submission, blending traditional Judo ne-waza with modern ground game concepts adapted for self-preservation. This integration ensures we can dominate on the ground whether we end up there by design or by circumstance.
Juyukai Flows, Traditional Kata, and Randori
We explore and practice the Juyukai flows as living study tools, supplemented by traditional kata such as Nage-no-Kata and Goshin-jutsu.
Flow and kata practice provide structured ways to understand timing, distance, balance, body mechanics, striking awareness, and intent. All foundational principles that directly inform our live training and self-preservation focus.
Alongside flow and kata study, we integrate both Free Randori and Position-Specific Randori into our sessions:
Free Randori allows us to explore Judo in a live, unscripted environment where timing, adaptability, and decision-making skills are put to the test.
Position-Specific Randori allows us to isolate and test specific positions (standing or ground), providing targeted opportunities to problem-solving and refine particular skills under pressure.
By combining formal study (flows and kata) with live application (randori), we bridge the gap between theory and real-world execution, helping each member develop practical, adaptable Judo that holds up in unpredictable situations.
Structured Progression Through Shu Ha Ri
Student development follows the traditional Shu Ha Ri learning framework—beginning with exact form repetition (Shu), progressing through principle understanding and exploration (Ha), and ultimately developing personal expression (Ri). This ensures both technical precision and creative adaptation as practitioners advance through the curriculum.
Judo is more than a set of techniques. We train judo as a lifelong practice for developing movement skills, mindset, and martial understanding, all of which apply far beyond the mat.
We train in a respectful, collaborative, and focused setting.
This is a space for thoughtful practitioners who want to train hard while taking care of their partners and their own long-term health. There’s no room for ego or reckless intensity here.
We meet three times per week, for 90 minutes per session.
Training sessions include a mix of:
Technical study
Solo drills
Partner drilling
Positional problem-solving
Live application (randori, always with safety and control as a priority)
Exact schedule and location details are shared with approved members.
Adults who love learning and want to deepen their Judo practice
Martial artists from other backgrounds who want to integrate Judo into their skillset
Individuals interested in Judo for longevity, movement skill, and personal growth, not medals or tournament results
People who value study, experimentation, and lifelong learning
At the Juyukai, there is no tuition and no instruction fee.
We train in the spirit of Jita-Kyoei (mutual welfare and benefit) with the shared goal of deepening our collective understanding of Judo.
Training is offered freely.
However, as the group grows and our needs evolve (such as mats, equipment, or eventually a larger training space), members who are able and willing may choose to contribute voluntarily to help cover shared expenses.
Participation is never dependent on financial contribution.
No one will ever be turned away for financial reasons.
Our focus remains on study, practice, and shared growth through Judo.
The Juyukai is invitation-only.
If you feel this aligns with your goals and mindset, you’re welcome to fill out the Student Training Request Form to be considered for membership.