About Us
Building Champions On and Off the Mat
At Art of Takedowns Judo Academy, we believe Judo is more than a martial art — it’s a way of life. From the first throw to the final bow, every student builds strength, discipline, and confidence that carry far beyond the mats.
Our Story
What began as a personal journey for Sensei Johnny Leon Guerrero—a young judoka who started training at four years old—has grown into North County’s premier grappling academy. Today, Art of Takedowns is home to kids, adults, competitors, and hobbyists who come together to learn, grow, and challenge themselves.
Why Train at Art of Takedowns?
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Small-group focus — individualized coaching directly from Sensei Johnny
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Programs for all ages & levels — kids, teens, adults, hobbyists & competitors
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State-of-the-art facility — 800 sq ft Judo mat with cushioned subfloor for safety & comfort
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Blending disciplines — traditional Judo, No-Gi Judo, Wrestling, Jiu-Jitsu & Self-Defense
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Supportive community — a respectful, welcoming environment for growth on and off the mat
Meet Sensei Johnny Leon Guerrero
Sensei Johnny Leon Guerrero is the heart of Art of Takedowns.
With over 30 years on the mat, he has dedicated his life to the
art and discipline of Judo.
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4th-Degree Black Belt in Judo
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2024 USA Judo National Champion
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IJF Veteran World Competitor
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Certified USA Judo & USJF Coach
Johnny’s journey is one of resilience and passion. From starting
Judo at just four years old, to overcoming serious injuries, to
representing the United States on the world stage — his path
reflects the very spirit of perseverance he instills in his students.
As both a champion and mentor, Sensei Johnny combines
technical precision with a personal, supportive teaching style.
Every student, from beginner to competitor, receives
individualized guidance to help them unlock their full potential
on and off the mat.
Meet the Team
Judo Instructor
Morten Lund
Shodan - 1st Degree Black Belt - USJF
Morten Lund is a native of Oslo, Norway, and began training judo in 1982. He is an experienced competitor, with several hundred sanctioned matches. He was previously state champion in Wisconsin.
Morten takes a philosophical approach to teaching Judo, often focusing on small technical details. He particularly enjoys working with beginners.
Morten has trained extensively across numerous martial arts, and has substantial experience in particular with Yoshinkan Aikido, Shorin-Ryu Karate, and Hakko-Ryu Jujitsu. When appropriate, he will incorporate principles from these other disciplines into his Judo teachings.
Assistant Judo Instructor
Jordan Williams
Shodan - 1st Degree Black Belt - USJF
Jordan Williams, practicing Judoka and backpacker. Jordan’s love for Judo began at university, under UCR Judo Sensei Tadashi Hiraoka, and he now continues his journey under Sensei Johnny Guerrero. Jordan has competed in and won various tournaments as well as continuing to actively take part in competition. He believes strongly in passing on the knowledge he has gained thus far, to new and upcoming Judoka’s. He has successfully become a certified USA Judo State Level Coach to support his team and Dojo members in preparation for and during competition. His love for Judo inspires him to practice and continue sharpening his skills.
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Judo Instructor
Wendy Widdop-Cross
Nidan - 2nd Degree Black Belt - USJF
Wendy Widdop-Cross is a second-generation judo black belt who began her judo journey in 1972. A National Judo Champion, Wendy has dedicated decades to the sport as both a competitor and mentor. She has been an assistant instructor alongside Sensei Johnny for over 10 years, helping students of all ages develop strong fundamentals, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for judo. Her experience, passion, and commitment to preserving the traditions of judo make her an invaluable part of the Art of Takedowns coaching team.
Assistant Judo Instructor - Children & Adaptive
Korey Widdop-Cross
Shodan - 1st Degree Black Belt - USA Judo
Korey is a third-generation judoka with a lifelong passion for the art and sport of judo. As an assistant instructor under Sensei Johnny for more than 10 years, he has dedicated himself to helping students of all ages and skill levels develop confidence, discipline, and strong technical fundamentals. Korey is also an Adaptive Judo Coach and active competitor who is passionate about making judo accessible to everyone while sharing his knowledge and love of the sport with the next generation of athletes.
Art of Takedowns' Coaching Philosophy
Art of Takedowns' coaching philosophy is centered around developing athletes who not only excel in their physical abilities but also in their mental and emotional wellbeing. I believe that winning is important, but it is not the sole measure of success. Instead, I prioritize the pursuit of excellence in competition, which involves setting high standards for technical proficiency, sportsmanship, and overall performance.
While I believe that competition is an important aspect of Judo, I recognize that my students participate in Judo for a variety of reasons. Some are seeking to improve their physical fitness, while others are interested in learning self-defense skills or exploring a new sport. Whatever their motivations may be, I am committed to helping my students achieve their individual goals and supporting them throughout their journey.
In addition to physical fitness and competition, I also recognize the importance of personal development in Judo. I believe that participation in sports can have a transformative impact on individuals, helping them to build self-confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose. As a coach, I am dedicated to providing my students with opportunities to develop not only as athletes but also as individuals. This includes fostering a culture of respect, accountability, and teamwork, and encouraging my students to take ownership of their own growth and development.
Ultimately, my coaching philosophy is rooted in a belief that physical activity and sport can be a powerful force for positive change in individuals and communities. I am committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for my students, and to helping them achieve their full potential both on and off the tatami. Whether my students are seeking to win competitions or simply to improve their physical and mental wellbeing, I am dedicated to supporting them every step of the way.
Johnny L. Guerrero
Owner & Operator
Art of Takedowns
“Sensei Johnny Leon Guerrero is a genuinely rare and special talent in grappling. He's an elite judoka, but has devoted his life to studying and training the main grappling arts together—judo…”
Mike F. (1/26/2025)
“Sensei Johnny is an amazing teacher and mentor. His class is always detailed with help readily available. AoT is an amazing and welcoming environment to learn Judo.”
Anthony R. (5/30/2025)