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Harai Judo & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Dojo

5 ★★★★★ 28 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Yelm, Washington

Judo dojo Affiliated Beginners welcome Kids & teens Newaza Competition

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
  • Newaza newaza (groundwork) classes — judo's mat game of pins, holds, and controls, and a natural bridge to Brazilian jiu-jitsu
  • Open mat open-mat randori sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
  • Competition a competition team for members who want to test themselves in shiai (tournaments)
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule haraidojo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (808) 227-0567

Hours

Monday 4:15–8 PM
Tuesday 4:15–8:30 PM
Wednesday 4:15–8 PM
Thursday 4:15–8:30 PM
Friday Closed
Saturday 9:45 AM–3 PM
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, seminars, and open-mat times — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

Judo classes on the schedule at Harai Judo & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Dojo, confirmed in members' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌱 Beginners 2 mentions

“The atmosphere is respectful, focused, and welcoming, perfect for beginners and seasoned grapplers alike.”

All dojos that run beginners →

🧒 Kids Judo 7 mentions

“My family went to one class and my daughter and I signed up before we left, it was so much fun!”

All dojos that run kids judo →

🏆 Competition (Shiai)

“Just went to a karate tournament here.”

All dojos that run competition (shiai) →

🤼 Newaza (Groundwork)

“Whether it’s judo throws or jiu jitsu groundwork, they break down techniques in a way that’s easy to understand and apply.”

All dojos that run newaza (groundwork) →

🤸 Throws (Nage-waza) 2 mentions

“Whether it’s judo throws or jiu jitsu groundwork, they break down techniques in a way that’s easy to understand and apply.”

All dojos that run throws (nage-waza) →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“Amazing place to learn self defense for the real world.”

All dojos that run self-defense →

Other martial arts here

Judo dojos are often multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at Harai Judo & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Dojo — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🥋 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 3 mentions

“I love they don’t nickel and dime the community and allow people the opportunity to learn Judo and Jiu Jitsu without breaking the bank.”

Other dojos that also teach brazilian jiu-jitsu →

🎽 Karate

“Just went to a karate tournament here.”

Other dojos that also teach karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“Amazing place to learn self defense for the real world.”

Other dojos that also teach self-defense →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the dojo's own info — they show what members have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want BJJ, wrestling, or sambo alongside your judo, confirm the current schedule with the dojo.

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 28 Google reviews — in their own words.

🌱 welcoming to beginners 6 mentions

“My brother has been going here for more then a year and since the very first day, the staff has been wonderful!”

🤝 respectful, no-ego dojo 16 mentions

“All 3 of my boys are enrolled and there is a family atmosphere, the senseis and coaches are patient and kind, and they foster an atmosphere of respect and discipline.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 4 mentions

“Whether it’s judo throws or jiu jitsu groundwork, they break down techniques in a way that’s easy to understand and apply.”

💵 good value / fair pricing 2 mentions

“Very clean and organized, as well as a great price!”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 5 mentions

“All 3 of my boys are enrolled and there is a family atmosphere, the senseis and coaches are patient and kind, and they foster an atmosphere of respect and discipline.”

From the reviews

My daughter and I have been attending Harai Dojo for a few years now. It's always been very welcoming and like a big family. We have met so many new friends here and learned so many new things. The senseis are always there for you if you have questions.

★★★★★ — Dyana, Jan 2025

This is a great learning environment that is very welcoming. The moment you walk in the door on your first visit, you'll feel like part of the team. If you are interested in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or Judo, you must check out this dojo.

★★★★★ — The, Feb 2022

Harai Dojo is the real deal. The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and passionate about the art. Whether it’s judo throws or jiu jitsu groundwork, they break down techniques in a way that’s easy to understand and apply.

★★★★★ — Goldie, Sep 2025

My daughter and I have been so impressed with the instructors and class options here! The instructors ensure each person is given the time and attention they need to excel and gain confidence. Also, the tuition cost is so affordable!

★★★★★ — Sarah, Mar 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 28 reviews →

New to judo? Start at Harai Judo & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Dojo

Harai Judo & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first judo class at Harai Judo & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 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.

Judo is a contact sport. Ease in, tap early and often, listen to your sensei, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Harai Judo & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Dojo

1010 E Yelm Ave Ste a, Yelm, WA98597

Get directions

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this dojo? Claim your listing — it's free.