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CJ Judo
5 ★★★★★ 23 Google reviews · Judo dojo in San Jose, California
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
- Newaza newaza (groundwork) classes — judo's mat game of pins, holds, and controls, and a natural bridge to Brazilian jiu-jitsu
- Competition a competition team for members who want to test themselves in shiai (tournaments)
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule cjjudo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 408-605-4872
Hours
| Monday | 5–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 5–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 5–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 5–8 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 9:15–11 am |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“He creates a welcoming and challenging environment for students of all levels, from beginners to high-level competitors.”
“His classes run like a Swiss clock, structured, disciplined, and efficient, yet the kids absolutely love them and have a great time every session.”
“This is a very safe learning setting - and the hands-on nature of judo helped my son prep for wrestling in high school (no judo in school).”
“He creates a welcoming and challenging environment for students of all levels, from beginners to high-level competitors.”
“He took time with my 5 kids and helped them improve on throws and Newaza.”
“He took time with my 5 kids and helped them improve on throws and Newaza.”
“Whether your goal is self-defense or competition, CJ Judo will prepare you for either.”
Other martial arts here
“This is a very safe learning setting - and the hands-on nature of judo helped my son prep for wrestling in high school (no judo in school).”
“Whether your goal is self-defense or competition, CJ Judo will prepare you for either.”
What members say
“Sensei Chuck Jefferson is an incredible instructor with a deep passion for the sport and a wealth of experience.”
“He creates a welcoming and challenging environment for students of all levels, from beginners to high-level competitors.”
“He creates a welcoming and challenging environment for students of all levels, from beginners to high-level competitors.”
“The dojo is well-organized, with structured classes that focus on technique, discipline, and respect.”
“He creates a welcoming and challenging environment for students of all levels, from beginners to high-level competitors.”
“His classes run like a Swiss clock, structured, disciplined, and efficient, yet the kids absolutely love them and have a great time every session.”
From the reviews
CJ Judo in San Jose is an amazing place for judo training! Sensei Chuck Jefferson is an incredible instructor with a deep passion for the sport and a wealth of experience. He creates a welcoming and challenging environment for students of all levels, from beginners to high-level competitors.
Our child has been attending CJ Judo for over 18 months, having started at age five, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience. Coach Chuck is a naturally gifted educator who strikes the perfect balance between being firm, kind, and genuinely caring.
If I could give 6 stars, I would. Chuck is absolutely the best instructor my son's ever been with. Chuck is firm, kind, extremely knowledgeable, and such an incredible role model. This is a very safe learning setting - and the hands-on nature of judo helped my son prep for wrestling in high school (no judo in school).
CJ Judo is top notch. Chuck is awesome with the kids and our kids stay engaged and challenged while having a ton of fun. My kids always walk out happier than when they arrive and that’s a pretty great sign CJ Judo is doing a great job along with teaching how to work hard, have fun, and not only be a great athlete, but…
New to judo? Start at CJ Judo
CJ Judo 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 CJ Judo
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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