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The best judo dojos in California

Ranked by the members who actually train there — Google rating weighted by review volume, across 3,634 reviews of California dojos. Minimum 20 reviews to qualify, real judo dojos only, one location per affiliation, and nobody pays for a spot. Updated 2026.

OLYMP FIGHT CLUB, judo dojo in Glendale, CA

#1 OLYMP FIGHT CLUB

4.9 ★★★★★ 128 reviews · Glendale, CA

Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons Newaza Competition welcoming to beginnersrespectful, no-ego dojostrong technique & fundamentals

Judo club for all ages, combining fitness, self-defense and discipline with instruction by a world champion instructor.

“Since joining their judo and jujitsu program, my son has matured in ways I didn’t expect. He’s become more focused, responsible, and disciplined. What stands out most is how much h…” — Susan

Nakano Judo Academy, judo dojo in Santa Clara, CA

#2 Nakano Judo Academy

4.9 ★★★★★ 116 reviews · Santa Clara, CA

Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons Competition expert, high-level coachingwelcoming to beginnersrespectful, no-ego dojo

“Judo here is top tier, I've trained for 10 months and my grappling capability and confidence has greatly improved. Nakano is an incredible teacher and the other Judokas here are ju…” — Ryan

SAN JOSE JUDO ACADEMY, judo dojo in San Jose, CA

#3 SAN JOSE JUDO ACADEMY

5 ★★★★★ 95 reviews · San Jose, CA

Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Newaza Competition Affiliated expert, high-level coachingrespectful, no-ego dojostrong technique & fundamentals

“Usually I am very picky of what I get. Personally you (the readers) can think I am as a "wife test", it sounds funny and I am kind of a person who you can trust my review as willin…” — Steven

Gracie Barra Santa Barbara, judo dojo in Santa Barbara, CA

#4 Gracie Barra Santa Barbara

4.9 ★★★★★ 104 reviews · Santa Barbara, CA

Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons Competition expert, high-level coachingwelcoming to beginnersrespectful, no-ego dojo

Martial arts school for self-defense, judo, MMA & more, including after-school programs for kids.

“Martial Arts can be intimidating, right? The team at Gracie Barra Santa Barbara makes sure that never happens! They welcome you in right away, are always looking after all students…” — Nicolas

Griffin Judo, judo dojo in Berkeley, CA

#5 Griffin Judo

5 ★★★★★ 80 reviews · Berkeley, CA

Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Competition Affiliated welcoming to beginnersrespectful, no-ego dojostrong technique & fundamentals

“This is my home dojo and I am training there with the kid's competition team. I love this place and I made many great friends. We are a big family. I learned to defend myself and b…” — Antoine

Tri-Valley Judo & Jiu-Jitsu, judo dojo in Pleasanton, CA

#6 Tri-Valley Judo & Jiu-Jitsu

5 ★★★★★ 51 reviews · Pleasanton, CA

Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Newaza Competition Affiliated expert, high-level coachingwelcoming to beginnersrespectful, no-ego dojo

“Long overdue review. Our family has been with this dojo for about 10 yrs now and there's good reason why we stay. Instruction and coaching is top notch. They truly care about your …” — Carmeiisab

Switch Fitness San Diego | El Cajon Muay Thai - Jiu Jitsu - Boxing - Judo - Yoga, judo dojo in El Cajon, CA

#7 Switch Fitness San Diego | El Cajon Muay Thai - Jiu Jitsu - Boxing - Judo - Yoga

4.9 ★★★★★ 55 reviews · El Cajon, CA

Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons Competition expert, high-level coachingwelcoming to beginnersrespectful, no-ego dojo

“Andy Murad is the coach every coach aspires to be. He is patient and encouraging to beginners like me, challenging & tough towards the intermediates, and respects his fellow expert…” — Philip

Coachella Valley Judo and BJJ, judo dojo in Palm Desert, CA

#8 Coachella Valley Judo and BJJ

4.9 ★★★★★ 51 reviews · Palm Desert, CA

Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Newaza Competition expert, high-level coachingwelcoming to beginnersrespectful, no-ego dojo

“Best environment that I’ve even been in my entire jujitsu career. All love. Coaches are great. My whole family are grateful to be here. ❤️” — Marichu

7N7 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo Academy, judo dojo in Oceanside, CA

#9 7N7 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo Academy

5 ★★★★★ 40 reviews · Oceanside, CA

Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Newaza Competition expert, high-level coachingwelcoming to beginnersrespectful, no-ego dojo

“My father always taught me how to be determined and disciplined. If thise skills i was able to qualify and participate in the 2024 Olympic Games in France. Thank you Dad for all yo…” — Thomas

510 Judo, judo dojo in San Leandro, CA

#10 510 Judo

5 ★★★★★ 40 reviews · San Leandro, CA

Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Competition expert, high-level coachingwelcoming to beginnersrespectful, no-ego dojo

“Class is always fun, informative and gripping. Haha get it?! Anyways, Sensei Jonah and Sensei Cody are great teachers and they teach more than just the movement of Judo- I find tha…” — Jeeshaun

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