Looking for a Waco summer camp that gives your child real skills, real fitness, and a whole lot of fun? This summer, Waco Judo is partnering with Bishop Louis Reicher Catholic School to offer three half-day martial arts camps in July — one for each age group from kindergarten all the way through 12th grade.
What Is Judo?
Judo is an Olympic sport and martial art built on throws, takedowns, and ground techniques. Unlike striking-based martial arts, judo is a grappling art — which makes it exceptionally safe for kids to practice at full intensity. Students learn to fall safely, work with a partner, and develop real physical skills they can use for life.
Beyond the physical side, judo is well known for developing focus, confidence, self-discipline, and resilience. The word judo translates roughly as “the gentle way” — a philosophy of using technique and leverage rather than brute force, which teaches kids that smarts and skill beat size and aggression every time.
Who Is Teaching?
The camps will be led by Sensei Jonah Ewell, founder and head instructor of Waco Judo — the only judo school in the greater Waco area. Sensei Jonah holds a third-degree black belt in judo and is a two-time national judo champion. He has more than a decade of professional teaching experience working with kids and adults at all skill levels, from total beginners to competitive athletes.
He’s also coached students to national championships at the junior and veteran levels. If you’re handing your child to someone for a week of martial arts training, you want someone who has done this a long time and loves it. Sensei Jonah is that person.
The Camps
There are three sessions, each designed for a specific age group. No prior martial arts experience is required for any of them.
Each session is $125, which includes a free uniform, yours to keep. All camps are held at Bishop Louis Reicher, 2208 North 23rd Street Waco, Texas 76708.
- Martial Arts Camp 1 — Kindergarten through 3rd Grade July 6–9, 1-3 pm Register here
- Martial Arts Camp 2 — 4th through 8th Grade July 13–16, 1-3 pm Register here
- Martial Arts Camp 3 — 9th through 12th Grade July 20–23, 1-3 pm Register here
All three camps are held at Bishop Louis Reicher Catholic School, located at 2102 North 23rd Street in Waco. You can view the full Bishop Reicher summer camp lineup — including volleyball, basketball, robotics, and cheer camps — at bishopreicher.com/summer-camps.
Why a Half-Day Camp Works Great for Martial Arts
A focused half-day format is actually ideal for judo instruction. Kids get intensive, high-quality training without the fatigue that sets in during a full day of physical activity. Each session is long enough to genuinely learn something and short enough that kids finish energized and excited to come back the next day.
A Great Introduction to Waco Judo
Whether your child is a complete beginner or has some martial arts experience, these camps are a fantastic introduction to judo and to our program at Waco Judo. After camp, kids who want to continue training are always welcome to join our regular youth judo classes in Hewitt.
Spots are limited — if you have a child in any of these grade ranges, click the registration link for their session and lock in their spot before it fills up.
Questions? Reach us at info@wacojudo.com or call or text anytime at 254-218-3754.