Judo Classes in Pasadena & Houston, TX
JUDO CLASSESIN PASADENA &HOUSTON, TX
3rd Dan
Black Belt
2019
Sandan Awarded
USA
Certified Coach
All Ages
Welcome
/ 01 — Head Instructor
Sensei Gerardo
Sandan · 3rd Degree Black Belt · USA Judo Certified Coach
Sensei Gerardo began his Judo journey around 1995 during high school in Mexico, where he was first introduced to the art and fell in love with the sport. After moving to Pasadena, TX, he restarted his training in 2003 and never looked back. Today he serves students from Pasadena, Houston, and the surrounding Greater Houston area.
In addition to his Judo credentials, Sensei Gerardo holds a Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Professor Carlos Henriquez — giving him a unique perspective that bridges the standing and ground game for his students.
~1995
Started Judo in high school in Mexico
2003
Restarted Judo after moving to Pasadena, TX
2010
Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt) — Sensei Buck Snider
2013
Nidan (2nd Degree Black Belt)
2019
Sandan (3rd Degree) — Sensei Carla Martin
Sandan · 3rd Degree Black Belt
Sensei Gerardo
USA Judo Certified National Coach
USA Judo Certified National Coach
Sensei Gerardo holds a USA Judo national coaching certification, ensuring every class meets the highest standards of safety and technique.
Regional Referee
Certified regional referee with competition experience — he knows what it takes to win and trains students with that mindset.
BJJ Purple Belt
Holds a Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Prof. Carlos, giving students a unique cross-training perspective between Judo and BJJ.
Head Instructor — United Judo Team
Leads all Judo classes at the United BJJ Team facility on Thursdays. Classes are open to all levels — no prior experience required.
/ 02 — Co-Instructor
Sensei Julio
Judo Black Belt · 20+ Years Experience · Competitor
With more than 20 years of experience under his belt, Sensei Julio brings a practical, hands-on style that draws upon his many years as a Judo competitor.
He's always the first one to greet new members with a handshake and a smile, and he leads by example — working out right alongside them on the mat every session.
~2004
Began Judo training
Present
Black Belt under Sensei Buck Snyder
Judo Black Belt · 20+ Years
Sensei Julio Ramirez
United Judo Team
20+ Years of Experience
Practical, competition-tested technique built over two decades on the mat — Sensei Julio's depth shows in every drill and correction.
Black Belt under Sensei Buck Snyder
Lineage rooted in competitive Judo, trained under one of the program's founding instructors with a track record in tournament competition.
Judo Competitor
Years of tournament experience that informs every technique and drill he teaches — he knows what works under pressure because he's lived it.
Co-Instructor — United Judo Team
Teaches alongside Sensei Gerardo every Thursday — approachable, hands-on, and always the first to welcome someone new to the mat.
/ 03 — Schedule
Judo Classes
Thursday Evenings
4024 Strawberry Rd, Pasadena, TX 77504
6:00
PM · 1h 15m
Judo
All levels welcome
ends
7:15 PM
First class is free.
Come try Judo — no experience required.
/ 04 — Why Judo
Elevate Your Game
Judo and BJJ are natural training partners. Judo gives you explosive takedowns and the mental toughness of competitive throwing — skills that transfer directly to the BJJ mat. Whether you're new to martial arts or a seasoned grappler, adding Judo to your training builds a more complete fighter.
Takedowns
Master throws and takedowns that give you a dominant start in every roll.
Mental Toughness
The pressure of standing grappling builds the mindset of a competitor.
Cross-Training
Judo athletes are among the most dangerous grapplers in mixed martial arts.
/ 05 — FAQ
Common Questions
Yes — Judo focuses primarily on throwing and takedowns (standing grappling), while BJJ emphasizes ground fighting and submissions. They complement each other perfectly: Judo gives you the explosive standing game that BJJ often lacks, and BJJ gives you the ground finish that Judo doesn't cover.
We welcome kids of all ages. Younger children develop balance, coordination, and focus through age-appropriate drills, while older kids and teens train with proper technique and controlled sparring.
None at all. Sensei Gerardo structures every class so complete beginners can follow along from day one. If you already train BJJ, you'll find Judo integrates immediately into your game.
A Judo gi (judogi) is ideal, but if you don't have one yet, athletic shorts and a rash guard or t-shirt work for your first visit. No shoes on the mat.
Judo builds explosive takedowns, grip strength, and the mental toughness of competitive standing grappling. Most BJJ practitioners are weak on their feet — adding Judo closes that gap and makes you a more complete grappler.
Both. Sensei Gerardo trains students for competition — he's a certified regional referee and knows what wins matches. But the class is open to all levels, whether your goal is competing, cross-training, fitness, or just learning a new martial art.