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Highlands Judo Dojo
5 ★★★★★ 4 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Renton, Washington
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 (ages 6–12) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Private lessons private, one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- 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 highlands-judo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 425-269-1435
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 5:30–7 am, 4:30–9:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 5:30–7 am, 4:30–9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 5:30–7 am |
| Friday | 5:30–7 am, 4:30–9:30 pm |
| Saturday | 7–8:30 am |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Great traditional Judo club, great sensei that knows how to train kids.”
“Great traditional Judo club, great sensei that knows how to train kids.”
What members say
“Its fun as well as respectful toward the sport, teaching discipline, self control while enjoying.”
From the reviews
Great traditional Judo club, great sensei that knows how to train kids. Good physical and technical background for anyone one who wants to practice compatitive judo, or just wants to be in great physical shape.
Our kids have been part of this dojo for a few years. The training has been absolutely amazing. The kids love coming here every time and look forward to learning new skills. Sensei Tom teaches really well and loves what he does. Judo has taught the kids so much more than we expected and it has become their lifestyle.
Our 5 year old has been going here for the past 6 months. Really good environment and values from Sensei Tom. Its fun as well as respectful toward the sport, teaching discipline, self control while enjoying. Recommend !
New to judo? Start at Highlands Judo Dojo
Highlands Judo Dojo 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 Highlands Judo 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.
More judo dojos near Renton
Washington Judo Academy
5 ★★★★★ 92 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Martial arts club offering instruction in judo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and wrestling to children and adults.