Home › California › Berkeley
Judo Classes in Berkeley, CA
Berkeley has 2 judo dojos — including 2 with a free trial, 2 beginner-friendly, and 2 with kids' classes. Every listing is ranked by what members say (Google rating weighted by review count) and shows live open-now hours and the classes each dojo runs, so you can find your dojo and book your first class. All levels welcome — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start.
Griffin Judo
5 ★★★★★ 80 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Ralph Gracie Berkeley Jiu Jitsu Academy
4.9 ★★★★★ 86 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Good to know in Berkeley
1 of the 2 dojos with posted hours are open on Sundays.
For a recognized affiliation or lineage (think USA Judo, USJA, USJF, or Kodokan), members point to Griffin Judo.
Looking for a women's class or a welcoming room to start in? Ralph Gracie Berkeley Jiu Jitsu Academy runs women's judo.
Plan your first class
These dojos offer a free trial, free first class, or intro offer — the low-risk way to try judo before you commit. Check each dojo's schedule for the current offer.
- Griffin Judo ★★★★★ 5 (80)
- Ralph Gracie Berkeley Jiu Jitsu Academy ★★★★★ 4.9 (86)
New to judo?
These dojos are called out by members as welcoming to beginners — go at your own pace, ask questions, and know that randori builds up slowly and you start by learning to fall safely. Everyone in the room started with a first class.
- Griffin Judo ★★★★★ 5 (80)
- Ralph Gracie Berkeley Jiu Jitsu Academy ★★★★★ 4.9 (86)
Kids & teen judo in Berkeley
These dojos run kids' or youth classes — supervised, confidence-building, and focused on discipline and self-defense. Check each dojo's schedule for age groups and times.
- Griffin Judo ★★★★★ 5 (80)
- Ralph Gracie Berkeley Jiu Jitsu Academy ★★★★★ 4.9 (86)
Judo in Berkeley: quick answers
- How much does judo cost a month in Berkeley?
- Most Berkeley dojos don't post prices online. Judo is usually sold as a monthly membership, and it often runs cheap at community and nonprofit clubs. Many offer a free or discounted first class, so you can visit before you commit — see our cost guide for typical price ranges.
- Do any Berkeley dojos offer a free trial or free first class?
- Yes — 2 of the 2 dojos in Berkeley advertise a free trial, free first class, or intro offer, including Griffin Judo, Ralph Gracie Berkeley Jiu Jitsu Academy. Offers change, so confirm on the dojo's site before you go.
- I'm a total beginner — can I start judo in Berkeley?
- Yes. Judo welcomes complete beginners, and you don't need to be fit or have any experience first — the training gets you in shape. 2 Berkeley dojos are highlighted by members as beginner-friendly. Randori (live sparring) builds up slowly, a good dojo never pressures newcomers, and you start by learning ukemi (safe falling) — you bow in, show respect, and all levels are welcome.
- Are there kids' judo classes in Berkeley?
- Yes — 2 Berkeley dojos run kids' or youth judo. Youth programs focus on confidence, discipline, and fun in a supervised setting; check each dojo's schedule for age groups and times.