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KaizenKan Judo
5 ★★★★★ 32 Google reviews · Judo dojo in San Rafael, California
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
- Women's classes dedicated women's judo classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- Competition a competition team for members who want to test themselves in shiai (tournaments)
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule marinjudo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
Hours
| Monday | 3:30–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 3:30–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 3:30–7 PM |
| Thursday | 3:30–7 PM |
| Friday | 3:30–7 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I highly recommend this Dojo if you’re a beginner or professional.”
“the place is very cozy and the people are pleasant, I advise you to practice some martial art, especially children!”
“We don't even need to mention sensei Daniel's technical habilities, his many, many medals speak for themselves.”
“Whether it's correcting a foot placement or refining a throwing technique, he has an eagle eye for spotting areas of improvement.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“Sensei Barbosa is a great instructor and the place is amazing for kids and adults.”
“Beyond the technical aspects of judo, Sensei Daniel fosters a sense of camaraderie and respect among his students.”
“One of the things that truly sets Sensei Daniel apart is his attention to detail.”
“We don't even need to mention sensei Daniel's technical habilities, his many, many medals speak for themselves.”
From the reviews
Awesome Dojo, Daniel Sensei is one of a kind. I highly recommend this Dojo if you’re a beginner or professional.
As a seasoned black belt in judo and owner of a dojo Myself, I've had the privilege of training in dojos around the world. However, my experience at Sensei Daniel's Dojo stands out as a shining example of excellence in martial arts training. From the moment I stepped onto the mat, I knew I was in for something special.
KaizenKan Judo, under the leadership of Sensei Daniel, is an exemplary dojo that I highly recommend. As a fully credentialed, professional educator in California, I have had the privilege of observing the exceptional pedagogical practices of Sensei Daniel.
This is a fabulous new judo dojo in Marin, led by Daniel Barboza Sensei, an accomplished national and international level competitor in Judo with decades of teaching and coaching experience. I can’t say enough about his knowledge and expertise in judo and the quality of the dojo he has built. Highly recommended!
New to judo? Start at KaizenKan Judo
KaizenKan 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 KaizenKan 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. 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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