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Ippon Judo Dojo

4.8 ★★★★★ 19 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Lakewood, Washington

Judo dojo Beginners welcome Kids & teens Competition

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 ipponjudodojo.com — book classes and see the live schedule

Hours

Monday 7–9:30 pm
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 7–9:30 pm
Thursday Closed
Friday 6–7:15 pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday 4–5:30 pm

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 Ippon Judo Dojo, confirmed in members' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌱 Beginners 5 mentions

“Great place for younger students or beginners.”

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🧒 Kids Judo 6 mentions

“They really foster a sense of teamwork and strongly encourage the older kids to support the younger ones - which I think is fantastic.”

All dojos that run kids judo →

🏆 Competition (Shiai)

“Good Judo Club , Trained national and Olympic level athletes , Including USA Olympic competitor Travis Stevens”

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🥇 Olympic Judo 2 mentions

“Good Judo Club , Trained national and Olympic level athletes , Including USA Olympic competitor Travis Stevens”

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What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 19 Google reviews — in their own words.

🌱 welcoming to beginners 6 mentions

“Great place for younger students or beginners.”

From the reviews

Good Judo Club , Trained national and Olympic level athletes , Including USA Olympic competitor Travis Stevens

★★★★★ — Mark, May 2015

Great team and great experience! 10000% HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Very fortunate to learn Judo from IPPON JUDO DOJO 🥋 Thank you to all the SENSEI’s for the skills and discipline you have given Ali’i. #BESTDOJO!

★★★★★ — Josiah, Apr 2024

Love this Dojo. They really foster a sense of teamwork and strongly encourage the older kids to support the younger ones - which I think is fantastic. My son is young and learning and when he struggles with rolls or slaps frequently one of the older kids steps in to teach him - my husband described it as "he has so…

★★★★★ — Savannah, Jun 2026

Great place to learn judo! My oldest Ali’i started a year ago and has come so far with the help and attention of the senseis. My youngest Akua just started he is 4 and everyone is so patient and encouraging I can’t wait to see what he become!

★★★★★ — Goldie, Jun 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 19 reviews →

New to judo? Start at Ippon Judo Dojo

Ippon 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first judo class at Ippon 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. 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 Ippon Judo Dojo

12828 Pacific Hwy SW, Lakewood, WA98499

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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.