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Griffin Judo
5 ★★★★★ 80 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Berkeley, 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
- Free trial or intro class most dojos welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- 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 griffinjudo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (510) 500-5162
Hours
| Monday | 4:15–9:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 12–1 PM, 4:15–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 12–1 PM, 4:30–10 PM |
| Thursday | 12–1 PM, 4:15–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 4:30–10:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM–2:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“They truly care about each student’s progress, whether you're a beginner or an aspiring competitor.”
“A friend referred me to Griffin Performance Judo, back in the summer I was looking for a place where my 8 year old who is home schooled could connect with other children.”
“Highly skilled people with a great care about the individual progression of the children and teens.”
“They truly care about each student’s progress, whether you're a beginner or an aspiring competitor.”
“The sensei are highly talented, with national and international competition experience, and they bring incredible passion and expertise to each class.”
Other martial arts here
“My kids practice Judo and Jiujitsu here.”
What members say
“They truly care about each student’s progress, whether you're a beginner or an aspiring competitor.”
“Griffin Judo is a great place to take your children to practice judo, the staff is super friendly and the Sensei's are SO good with the kids.”
“My grand son has thrived in this supportive, inclusive and fun environment, learning discipline, respect, and technique.”
“The sensei are highly talented, with national and international competition experience, and they bring incredible passion and expertise to each class.”
“These guys helped me win USA judo nationals at brown belt after training judo for one year.”
“My grand son has thrived in this supportive, inclusive and fun environment, learning discipline, respect, and technique.”
From the reviews
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 became more confident because of everything I learned there. We train hard but always have a fun time.
Griffin Performance Judo is an incredible dojo with an amazing team! The owners are not only professional but also genuinely kind and supportive. One of them, Sensei Adham, has been my best friend since we were six years old, and it’s an honor to work alongside him.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Griffin Judo — One of America’s Most Elite Judo Dojos As the Sensei of JMJC Judo Beaufort, and the M4 2025 USA Judo National Champion at 90kg (and 2024 #1 Ranked 81kg fighter), I’ve been around elite training rooms my whole career. Griffin Judo in El Cerrito, California ranks among the best—period.
Griffin Judo in El Cerrito, CA is an exceptional dojo for all ages and skill levels. The sensei are highly talented, with national and international competition experience, and they bring incredible passion and expertise to each class.
New to judo? Start at Griffin Judo
Griffin Judo comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo — noted on their own site. 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 Griffin 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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