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 since 2019 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
Thanks team for a fantastic class. O Uchi Gari combinations, and hard work. This team is continuing to do amazing, and there is always room for more!
#judo #fargond #martialarts
Thanks to the team for killing it today in a great class focusing on Te Guruma. Going old school and it was a fantastic time.
#judo #fargomoorhead #martialarts
*LINK IN BIO*
Red River Judo is thrilled to announce we`ll be hosting one of the greatest minds in American Judo — Sensei Steve Cohen. A former Olympic competitor and USA Judo Olympic Coach, Sensei Cohen has dedicated his life to developing some of the finest Judoka in the country. For over two years, he has served as a mentor to our team, and we couldn`t be more excited to welcome him to Fargo for a two-day seminar open to all levels.
Friday, May 29, 2026
- Youth Judo (ages 6–12): 6:00–7:00 PM
- Varsity/Adult Judo (ages 13+): 7:00–8:30 PM
Saturday, May 30, 2026
- Youth Judo (ages 6–12): 10:00–11:00 AM
- Varsity/Adult Judo (ages 13+): 12:30–2:00 PM
#judo #fargoND #fargomoorhead #martialarts
A little demo of Uchi Mata Sukashi as part of our Ashi Waza unit. Thanks to AJ for being a great uke and making Sensei look good.
#judo #fargo #martialarts
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
Instructors
It’s hard to talk about our instructors without sounding like we’re bragging. The plain fact of the matter is that we have one of the best teams of martial arts instructors you will find anywhere. Led by Sensei Steven Fick, our instructors are talented, accomplished, passionate and the kind of people you just enjoy hanging out with, because after all, although we take what we do very seriously, because at the end of the day, Judo is supposed to be fun.
There are no shortcuts, because there is no end – Kyozo Mifune
