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Bushido USA Dojo
5 ★★★★★ 114 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Raleigh, North Carolina
Affiliated dojo — reviews and the dojo's own info point to a recognized judo governing body or lineage (think USA Judo, USJA, USJF, Kodokan or Tenri). If affiliation matters to you, ask which body the dojo belongs to and under whom the head sensei earned their black belt.
Plan your first class
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth judo classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's judo classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- Competition a competition team for members who want to test themselves in shiai (tournaments)
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule bushidousadojo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 919-523-9962
Hours
| Monday | 4–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 4–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 4–9 pm |
| Thursday | 4–9 pm |
| Friday | 4–9 pm |
| Saturday | 9–11 am |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“It was my first time with anything like this I was treated like I’ve been going there for forever and never felt singled out.”
“We started my son here a few months ago in karate and judo, and we could not be more pleased with the dojo and Sensei Juan.”
“The adult classes are in the evening (7/8/9pm) so it’s a perfect place to come after work/class.”
“I visited Bushido Dojo when I took a women's self-defense class here with some classmates and had an amazing experience!”
“He doesn't focus on winning in tournaments even though it is wonderful when they do!”
“I visited Bushido Dojo when I took a women's self-defense class here with some classmates and had an amazing experience!”
Other martial arts here
“From the start, Sensei Rodriguez took the time to sit down with me, talk about Shotokan karate, connect with my former sensei, and introduce me to the students.”
“I visited Bushido Dojo when I took a women's self-defense class here with some classmates and had an amazing experience!”
What members say
“It was my first time with anything like this I was treated like I’ve been going there for forever and never felt singled out.”
“His treatment is very respectful and pleasant with the students and his teachings give them a personality full of self-confidence.”
“Sensei Rodriguez takes time with all new students to teach the basics to instill knowledge and confidence.”
“Students gain a solid foundation to progress to advanced levels and attend competitions if they choose.”
“I visited Bushido Dojo when I took a women's self-defense class here with some classmates and had an amazing experience!”
“His treatment is very respectful and pleasant with the students and his teachings give them a personality full of self-confidence.”
From the reviews
Sensei Juan is a very knowledgeable instructor. He is patient with his students and helps each one excel to their greatest potential. He seeks opportunities to invite other seasoned instructors to assist in class or to teach new skills to his students and even himself.
Love the classes and learning something new every class! Sensei Rodriguez takes time with all new students to teach the basics to instill knowledge and confidence. Students gain a solid foundation to progress to advanced levels and attend competitions if they choose.
I had been searching for a quality dojo for quite some time, and I finally found it. From the start, Sensei Rodriguez took the time to sit down with me, talk about Shotokan karate, connect with my former sensei, and introduce me to the students. I was even invited to join a class and experience the training firsthand.
We started my son here a few months ago in karate and judo, and we could not be more pleased with the dojo and Sensei Juan. My son is already learning a lot about martial arts and the associated discipline/sportsmanship, and he loves going.
New to judo? Start at Bushido USA Dojo
Bushido USA Dojo comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo, going by their listing and members’ reviews. If you've never stepped on a mat, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and sensei scale the intensity to you. Second, you'll start by learning to fall safely (ukemi) — reputable dojos build fundamentals (breakfalls, grips, a first throw and some groundwork) for weeks, live randori eases in gradually, and tapping early keeps everyone safe. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out, and remember to bow in and show respect (rei). Most dojos are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first judo class at Bushido USA Dojo
Nervous about walking into a judo dojo for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good sensei expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, learning to fall safely (ukemi), then drilling a throw or two and some groundwork with a partner — not hard randori. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a judogi if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and a mouthguard if you have one — many dojos lend a loaner judogi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own judogi. Live randori eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the sensei. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site