About Carmel Judo - Martial Arts in Indianapolis & Bloomfield, IN
About Carmel Judo
A dojo built from the ground up
Carmel Judo was founded on the belief that martial arts should be accessible, non-toxic, and genuinely life-changing. Two locations. One community.
Our Story
Carmel Judo started in a garage in 2019 with gymnastics mats and a vision. Founder Jordan had been wrestling since age four, and when the opportunity came to share what he loved, he started where he could. From that garage, the dojo grew through several locations before finding its permanent home in Indianapolis on Halloween 2022. Head Women's Coach Natasha Wolf joined the mission early, helping build something that went well beyond Judo. In November 2025, Jordan and Natasha opened a second location in Bloomfield, seeing a community that needed more structured programming for kids and a place where adults could belong. Today, both dojos are active, growing, and full of students whose lives look different because of the time they spent on our mats.
What We Stand For
We teach the Judo Moral Code in every class, rooted in Dr. Kano's founding principles: courage, respect, modesty, friendship, honor, honesty, self-control, and courtesy. These are not talking points. They show up in how our coaches work with students, how students treat each other on the mat, and how training carries over into the rest of life. We have watched students go on to graduate school, new careers, and versions of themselves they did not think were possible. That started here.
A Dojo for Everyone
You do not need to compete to belong at Carmel Judo. We keep class sizes small so every student gets real attention from a coach who knows them. The environment is safe, supportive, and free from the pressure that can make other dojos feel unwelcoming. Whether you are three years old or sixty-plus, a complete beginner or a seasoned grappler, there is a class for you at both our Indianapolis and Bloomfield locations.
FAQs
Do I need any experience to get started?
Not at all. Most of our students start with zero experience. Every new student gets a private 1-on-1 intro lesson before joining a full class so you can get comfortable on the mat before training with the group.
How does the free trial work?
Your first two classes are completely free at either our Indianapolis or Bloomfield location. No gear, no commitment, and no pressure. Just come in and see if it is the right fit.
What should I wear to my first class?
Comfortable athletic wear is fine for your first visit. If you decide to continue, we can point you in the right direction for getting a gi.
What is the difference between Judo and Jiu Jitsu?
Judo focuses primarily on throws and takedowns, using your opponent's momentum against them. Jiu Jitsu — specifically the Newaza style we train — focuses on groundwork, submissions, and locks. At our Indianapolis location the two arts are trained in separate sessions. At Bloomfield they are blended together.
What age can my child start?
We welcome children as young as 3 in our Wolf Pups program. Wolf Cubs runs for ages 6 to 12, and our Adult and Teen program begins at 13.
Not Sure Where to Begin?
Start with two free classes and find out for yourself. No gear, no experience, and no commitment required. Both our Indianapolis and Bloomfield locations are ready to welcome you.
