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East Bay Judo Institute
4.7 ★★★★★ 34 Google reviews · Judo dojo in El Cerrito, California
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
- Competition a competition team for members who want to test themselves in shiai (tournaments)
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule ebji.org — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (510) 237-0607
Hours
| Monday | 4:30–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:30–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 4:30–8 PM |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 9 AM–12 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I have been attending EBJI since 1999 at age 7 as a white belt (beginner).”
“As a parent, I’ve had the privilege of watching both of my children grow up in the EBJI dojo community—my daughter for 12 years and my son for 10 years, and more years to come.”
“To intermediate and adult classes where Judo skills are built upon, community and giving-back is fostered, and a complete person, both inside and outside of the dojo, is born.”
“He’s been able to build self-confidence by being on the competition team.”
“EBJI is not only a wonderful place to learn traditional judo, but also a place where kids are guided to grow into respectful and well-rounded individuals.”
“I originally signed them up to learn self-defense.”
Other martial arts here
“EBJI has a history of athletes who have competed in the olympics, coached olympians and MMA fighters, and olympic level referees.”
“I originally signed them up to learn self-defense.”
What members say
“Not only does the club provide world-class instruction for judo, but the instructors also instill character building values in their students that extend well beyond the mat.”
“I have been attending EBJI since 1999 at age 7 as a white belt (beginner).”
“EBJI is not only a wonderful place to learn traditional judo, but also a place where kids are guided to grow into respectful and well-rounded individuals.”
“The adult advanced class focuses on competition and Judo techniques while the adult beginners class focuses on the recreation of Judo for all ages ranging from 20s to 60+.”
“Our son has thrived in this space and we as parents have made some wonderful friendships.”
“The adult advanced class focuses on competition and Judo techniques while the adult beginners class focuses on the recreation of Judo for all ages ranging from 20s to 60+.”
From the reviews
East Bay judo institute has been a place of growth for my family. My husband and three children are students there, and our wonderful friends there supported us with meals and more through my cancer treatments. Everyone shows up for one another on and off the judo mat, keeping us all in shape!
Maybe you're just looking around for somewhere near your house in the East Bay where your child can run off some extra energy? But perhaps like I was, you are looking for something a little bit more meaningful that will teach your child not to be afraid to be grabbed at school or to stick up for themselves.
As a parent, I’ve had the privilege of watching both of my children grow up in the EBJI dojo community—my daughter for 12 years and my son for 10 years, and more years to come. During this time, I’ve seen firsthand the dedication, thoughtfulness, and consistency that the EBJI Senseis bring to students' journeys.
I have been attending EBJI since 1999 at age 7 as a white belt (beginner). Since then I have visited many dojos around the country and on 4 continents. EBJI is a unique dojo, and one that upholds the traditions of Judo and Japanese culture.
New to judo? Start at East Bay Judo Institute
East Bay Judo Institute 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 East Bay Judo Institute
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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