Our Story
From Humble Beginnings
Mile High Judo's Story
Mile High Judo was founded with a simple but demanding belief: judo, when taught with integrity and high expectations, has the power to shape both athletes and character.
​
Rooted in the traditional principles of Jigoro Kano—mutual welfare and benefit and maximum efficiency—Mile High Judo was established to provide high-quality instruction in an environment where discipline, humility, and perseverance are non-negotiable. From its earliest days, the club set out to be more than a place to train. It was designed to be a community.
​
What began as a small group of committed athletes quickly evolved into a structured program focused on technical excellence, personal responsibility, and long-term development. Mile High Judo welcomed students of all ages and backgrounds, offering a clear pathway for both recreational participants and serious competitors. Practices emphasized fundamentals, thoughtful progression, and respect for the art—values often lost in faster, trend-driven martial arts programs.
​
As the club grew, so did its reputation. Athletes trained at Mile High Judo began competing regularly at the local, regional, and national levels, carrying with them not just technical skill, but a recognizable culture of composure, discipline, and resilience. Success was measured not only in medals, but in consistency, coachability, and the ability to persevere through challenge.
​
The story of Mile High Judo is still being written. Guided by traditional values and modern judo, the club remains committed to developing capable judoka, resilient competitors, and principled people regardless of age.
Sensei Matt Rogers, Nidan
I started Judo at 14 years old and I'll never forget how I fell in love with it the first class I took. As I began taking the sport more seriously, I started training and competing in several statewide tournaments and national tournaments such as the Dallas invitational, the Presidents Cup and the US Open. I've placed first nationally two times and hold other medals from other states as well.
​
I love the beauty of Judo throws combined with the immense power that comes with them. With high levels of training, exercise, repetition and attention to detail, a judo competitor can truly become a formidable grappler and competitor with time, but more importantly, a good human being.
​
I have the strong belief that Judo is more than just a sport and martial art, but a way of life and a way of healing. I have seen Judo do remarkable things for people who need an outlet in life. I believe that judo truly helps people become better versions of themselves. It makes the fearful courageous. The frail, strong - both of these lessons I have learned in my personal journey with the art.
Sensei J.T. Woodard, Shodan
J.T.’s journey into martial arts began at a young age, earning his Junior Black Belt in American Taekwondo at Houston Karate Academy at the age of eight. He discovered his passion for judo in high school when he began training at Houston’s Westlake Judo Club under the guidance of Sensei Javier Garriga. Competing as a nationally ranked junior athlete, J.T. pushed himself by leveling up — and winning — in senior divisions. He now holds an Ikkyu (Brown Belt) rank and is pursuing his Shodan (Black Belt).
His love for martial arts was fueled by the popularity of 1990s martial arts culture, including favorites such as Power Rangers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Walker, Texas Ranger. However, it was a judo demonstration by Sensei Garriga and his brother, Jan, for J.T.’s high school wrestling team that sparked his lifelong passion for judo.
J.T.’s martial arts background includes two state championships and a Top 5 finish for Houston’s Westside High School in freestyle and folkstyle wrestling. He also trained in Muay Thai for more than four years at Revolution Dojo and Sammy’s Muay Thai, finishing with a 1-1 amateur record.
​
As a certified coach for USA Judo at the state level, he works with athletes of all ages, but especially enjoys mentoring novices. His coaching philosophy focuses on developing strong judokas on the mat and stronger individuals off the mat.
He believes judo teaches perseverance, discipline, and respect — skills that translate into every aspect of life. He is honored to contribute to Mile High’s growth from the ground up and remains dedicated to sharing the art and philosophy of judo with the next generation of athletes.
