North Dakota’s Premier Judo Academy — Where Tradition Meets Excellence
Red River Judo has been the heartbeat of Judo in the region since 2002, built on a foundation that runs deeper than two decades. Our founder, Sensei Vern Borgen, didn’t just open a dojo — he spent over two decades first shaping the sport at its roots, teaching Judo at North Dakota State University beginning in 1979 and becoming one of the most influential voices in growing Judo across the Midwest. When he established Red River Judo, he brought that same passion, rigor, and commitment to community with him.
That legacy lives on today under the stewardship of Steven and Melissa Fick, who have led the dojo for the past five years with the same devotion Sensei Borgen instilled in his students. At Red River Judo, we practice Kodokan Judo and several other styles, offering a welcoming community for practitioners of all ages and skill levels — fostering both physical and mental growth through the disciplined practice of Judo.
Class Schedule
As part of Liam’s Sankyu test he was required to demonstrate the first Set of the Nage No Kata. This is a video of him practicing under the watchful eye and guidance of Sensei Tim and his father George.
#judo #martialarts #fargomoorhead
The 100 Throw challenge.
Crashmats were getting lippy, we had to remind them who is boss 😜👊🥋
#judo #fargo #martialarts
What better way to finish a month of hip throws then with a big one! Ushiro Goshi is one of those techniques where when you’re up, there’s only one way to come down, this is why we know how to break fall! Thanks to everyone for a successful month of Koshi Waza.
#judo #fargo #fargomoorhead #martialarts
The team had a great class yesterday with Sensei JD at the helm. The team has spent this month working on Koshi Waza. Today’s class focused on Sode Tsurikomi Goshi and Tsuri Komi Goshi. Followed that up with some hard fought rounds of Randori. Was a great class!
#judo #fargond #martialarts
We all need to give Morgan the respect she has earned.
From the day she walked through our doors, she has brought a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and a truly coachable mindset. More than that—she works hard. Consistently. Without excuses.
Morgan is 5`2", and she has absolutely no fear of throwing or being thrown, no matter the size of her training partner. She will work with anyone—any shape, any size—and she does it with grit and determination.
This promotion has been a long time coming.
Morgan was nominated for promotion after a class where she executed close to 100 throws in 45 minutes. That alone is impressive. But here’s what people often overlook—she also took nearly 100 throws in that same time frame.
That’s toughness. That’s commitment.
School schedules and holidays slowed the timeline, but not her progress.
Today, she earns her yellow belt. Well deserved by a tough-as-nails young lady who shows up, does the work, and sets a good example to everyone in the dojo.
#fargond #martialartstraining #judo #judolife
Big thank you to everyone who joined us for Kangeiko 2026 at our new home. Thank you to our friends from Bismarck Gentle Ways Judo for leading this year`s Kangeiko. Was a great turnout and a great time.
#fargond #judo #martialarts ##bismarcknd
Some highlights of our warms ups. Yes, we throw as warmups! If you want to get good at Judo, you have to be throwing.
#judo #fargo #martialarts #fargomoorhead
A huge thank you to everyone who attended our final youth and adult Judo classes for the year. We are very excited for the coming year and we appreciate all your support. This has been a labor of love and we could not do it without you all, thank you so much. Let’s make 2026 the best year possible.
