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Judo Kai of Fairfield

5 ★★★★★ 15 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Fairfield, New Jersey

Judo dojo Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Competition

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 judokainj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 908-723-0570

Hours

Monday 5–8 pm
Tuesday 6–8 pm
Wednesday 5–8 pm
Thursday 6–9 pm
Friday Closed
Saturday 12–1 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 Judo Kai of Fairfield, confirmed in members' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌱 Beginners 3 mentions

“Decades of experience teaching Judo for all ages at all levels.”

All dojos that run beginners →

🏆 Competition (Shiai) 2 mentions

“So if you’re just looking for a good workout, learning self defense or compete - this place is for you.”

All dojos that run competition (shiai) →

🥇 Olympic Judo

“Not too many other places you can go and occasionally get instructed by an Olympian as well.”

All dojos that run olympic judo →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“So if you’re just looking for a good workout, learning self defense or compete - this place is for you.”

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 Judo Kai of Fairfield — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🥋 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 2 mentions

“Coming from a bjj background, I thought my standup was pretty good until I ended up on my back dozens of times.”

Other dojos that also teach brazilian jiu-jitsu →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“So if you’re just looking for a good workout, learning self defense or compete - this place is for you.”

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 15 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 4 mentions

“Sensei Kevin is amazing to work with, the wife and I travel 60 miles one way to train with him.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 4 mentions

“A welcoming atmosphere from dedicated folks who take Judo seriously.”

🏆 active competition team 2 mentions

“So if you’re just looking for a good workout, learning self defense or compete - this place is for you.”

From the reviews

Training with Kevin has been one of the more rewarding experiences in my life. You really can’t replace the challenging atmosphere and great instruction. Simply put, if you want to play judo recreationally or competitively, come on in and give it a try.

★★★★★ — Andrew, Apr 2021

A welcoming atmosphere from dedicated folks who take Judo seriously. Plenty of opportunities to learn and push yourself while getting fit.

★★★★★ — Nick, May 2021

I have had the pleasure of traveling at the Judokai of Fairfield for a year now and I have to say I truly wish I joined sooner! Sensei Kevin Costello greets everyone with a smile and a warm welcome.

★★★★★ — Angel, Jun 2024

Definitely the place to be if you have experience in Judo or interested in trying it out. It’s really big on safety and creating an atmosphere where you can move and learn at your own pace. No reason to be super fit or strong to come to this dojo. People of all shapes and sizes are welcomed.

★★★★★ — Danny, Feb 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 15 reviews →

New to judo? Start at Judo Kai of Fairfield

Judo Kai of Fairfield 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first judo class at Judo Kai of Fairfield

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 Judo Kai of Fairfield

1275 Bloomfield Ave Bldg 5 unit 26b, Fairfield, NJ07004

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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.