Who We Are

Our Mission - Who We Are

The mission of The American Academy of Martial Arts / Judan Judo of Ohio is to empower the youth and families of the Toledo area through the discipled practice of Japanese Martial Arts – including traditional Japanese Jujitsu, and Olympic Judo. We are dedicated to nurturing physical strength, mental focus, emotional resilience, and respect for self and others.

Our team of passionate volunteers generously give their time and expertise to support the development of our students. Though martial arts, they help students build confidence, discipline, humility, and a strong sense of personal responsibility.

Our Values - What We Believe In

The Values of American Academy of Martial Arts / Judan Judo of Ohio is to be a miniature model of the outside world. The tasks, challenges, and conflicts we face in the real world are experienced on a much smaller and much more manageable scale.

We learn to cooperate and care for another Human Being. Judo is an Art and Sport which requires practice in pairs. Without a partner willing to share him or herself, we do not learn and progress. From this we also learn sportsmanship, cooperation, as well as meaningful and constructive relationships.
We learn that today’s defeat is no reason to give up the battle. We pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and learn from our mistakes. We learn to strive for self-improvement while keeping failures in proper perspective.

Every student of Judo imagines the day when they will receive their Black Belt. Much like the journey from kindergarten to college, Judo is about learning, and applying what we learn, over and over. Finally, one day we receive a college degree, or a Black Belt. In either case we find that we have not reached an end but have only fully prepared ourselves for a new beginning!

Our Vision - Where We Are Going

The Vison of American Academy of Martial Arts / Judan Judo of Ohio is to continue to Mentor and Teach Judo, Traditional Japanese Jujitsu and Self-Defense to the children and adults of the Toledo area.

By teaching our students the Life Skills such as Hard Work, Team-Building, Self-Esteem, Discipline and Respect they will become more productive members of our community.

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ's

What does your organization do?
The American Academy of Martial Arts is dedicated to empowering youth and families in the Toledo area by teaching the traditional Japanese martial arts of, Japanese jujitsu, and Olympic Judo. Our volunteer coaches (black belts) provide expert instruction focused not only on physical skills but also on building character, confidence, discipline, and respect. We strive to create a safe, inclusive environment where students grow as martial artists and as compassionate, resilient individuals.
Who teaches the classes?
Our classes are taught by highly trained, nationally recognized black belt instructors who volunteer their time and expertise to support the community. Their dedication ensures every student receives quality instruction rooted in traditional Japanese martial arts principles and practical self-defense skills. For additional information on our staff see our staff page.
How can I get involved?
We welcome students of all ages—from young children to adults. Our programs are designed to be inclusive and adaptable to different skill levels, fitness abilities, and goals.
Do I need prior martial arts experience to join?
No experience is necessary! Our instructors tailor lessons to beginners and experienced practitioners alike, focusing on personal growth and safety.
If I were to donate funds, how is my money used?
Donations to the American Academy of Martial Arts directly support our mission of empowering youth and families through traditional martial arts. Your contribution helps cover costs such as student scholarships, uniforms for children in need, safety equipment, facility improvements, tournament fees, and community outreach programs. Because we are a volunteer-run organization, every dollar goes toward creating a safe, inclusive, and enriching environment for our students—not salaries. Your generosity truly makes a lasting impact in the lives of the young people we serve.
What is your organization's privacy policy?
The American Academy of Martial Arts is committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of our students, families, volunteers, and supporters. We collect only the information necessary to provide safe, effective instruction and communication. We do not sell, share, or disclose personal information to third parties without consent, unless required by law. All data is stored securely, and access is limited to authorized staff and volunteers. If you have questions about how your information is handled or wish to update or remove your data, please contact us directly.
At the American Academy of Martial Arts, our mission is to empower the youth and families of the Toledo area through the discipled practice of Japanese Martial Arts – including Ju Jitsu, and Olympic Judo. We are dedicated to nurturing physical strength, mental focus, emotional resilience, and respect for self and others.

Our team of passionate volunteer coaches and staff generously give their time and expertise to support the development of children and families in our community. Though martial arts, they help students build confidence, discipline, humility, and a strong sense of personal responsibility.

We strive to create a safe, inclusive, and encouraging environment where every student feels valued, inspired, and equipped to grow – not only as a martial artist but as kind, capable, and courageous individuals ready to face life’s challenges.