Art of Takedowns - Judo & Grappling Academy
About
Art of Takedowns in Escondido, California is a premier judo and grappling academy led by Sensei Johnny Leon Guerrero, a 4th Degree Black Belt with impressive competitive credentials. The academy stands out for its comprehensive approach to grappling arts, blending traditional judo with wrestling and BJJ techniques, while maintaining a clean, well-organized facility that serves both competitive athletes and recreational practitioners of all ages.
Jiu Jitsu VerifiedOur weighted 10-point scoring system for martial arts academies prioritizes instruction quality, training environment, and overall student experience.
We consider factors like instructor expertise, class structure, and facility quality. Our assessment combines student feedback, expert reviews, and website information.
Scores above 9.00 denote world-class quality, signifying premier martial arts training experiences.
InstructorsClass StructureSafety and HygieneFacility QualityValue for MoneyLocation & AccessibilityPublic Review Sentiment
Instructors
Sensei Johnny Leon Guerrero is consistently praised for his exceptional teaching abilities, patience, and deep knowledge across multiple grappling disciplines. His approach combines elite technical instruction with a supportive teaching style that works effectively with both children and adults.
Facility
The facility features an 800 sq ft state-of-the-art judo mat with a specialized subfloor built specifically for judo training. Multiple reviews mention the cleanliness and organization of the space, creating an optimal training environment.
Pricing
While specific pricing details aren't available on the website, one review mentions the gym offers reasonable pricing. The value appears to be excellent based on the quality of instruction and facility.
Facility
Gym
Instructors
Classes
Pricing
While not explicitly mentioned on the website, the gym likely offers some form of trial class based on reviews mentioning first-time experiences.
Location
Opening Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 4 - 8:30PM |
| Wednesday | 4 - 8:30PM |
| Thursday (Today) | 4 - 8:30PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 9:30AM - 2:30PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Location
The academy is located at 601 N. Broadway STE B in Escondido, California, with no specific mentions of accessibility issues in reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Art of Takedowns suitable for children?
Yes, Art of Takedowns is highly regarded for children's classes. Multiple reviews praise Sensei Johnny's patience and effectiveness with children as young as 5 years old, noting improvements in both physical skills and mental attitude.
What grappling styles are taught at Art of Takedowns?
The academy teaches a blend of traditional Judo, No-Gi Grappling/Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling, and Self-Defense. Sensei Johnny is known for his unique approach of integrating these different grappling arts.
Do I need prior experience to train at Art of Takedowns?
No prior experience is necessary. Reviews indicate that Sensei Johnny works well with beginners of all ages and adapts his teaching to accommodate different skill levels and abilities.
What are Sensei Johnny's credentials?
Sensei Johnny Leon Guerrero holds a 4th Degree Black Belt in USJF/USA Judo, is a USA Judo Certified Coach, USJF National Certified Coach, USJF Certified Teacher, and has competed at the IJF World level. He is also a National and State Champion.