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Kamikaze Judo
4.8 ★★★★★ 21 Google reviews · Judo dojo in San Diego, California
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
- 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
- Newaza newaza (groundwork) classes — judo's mat game of pins, holds, and controls, and a natural bridge to Brazilian jiu-jitsu
- Competition a competition team for members who want to test themselves in shiai (tournaments)
- Today see hours ·
- Phone +1 619-890-2873
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 5–6:55 pm, 7–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 5–6:55 pm, 7–10 pm |
| Thursday | 5–6:55 pm, 7–10 pm |
| Friday | 5–6:55 pm, 7–10 pm |
| Saturday | 11 am–1:55 pm, 2–4 pm |
| Sunday | 11 am–1:55 am |
The classes they run
“It’s a fun experience and I couldn’t recommend it enough, great for beginners and experts alike.”
“I can only speak for what Sensei Koji does for kids, as I have my son attending, and he teaches the way is taught in Japan, as a Sport and for self defense, and not to hurt others.”
“There are both kids classes and adult classes and the dojo is conveniently located with a decent amount of parking during class hours.”
“He and his students have many gold medals and have a passion for Judo.”
“Furthermore, some of the blackbelts also cross train in Jiu -jitsu (one purple belt and another black belt in bjj) so when we do ne-waza or ground work we have a bjj perspective.”
“The class sizes are small and there are always 2 or more black belts in class so you always get some 1 on 1 instruction.”
“I can only speak for what Sensei Koji does for kids, as I have my son attending, and he teaches the way is taught in Japan, as a Sport and for self defense, and not to hurt others.”
Other martial arts here
“Furthermore, some of the blackbelts also cross train in Jiu -jitsu (one purple belt and another black belt in bjj) so when we do ne-waza or ground work we have a bjj perspective.”
“I can only speak for what Sensei Koji does for kids, as I have my son attending, and he teaches the way is taught in Japan, as a Sport and for self defense, and not to hurt others.”
What members say
“Sensei Koji is one of the best teachers I have learned from, he is patient and his teaching methods are excellent.”
“It’s a fun experience and I couldn’t recommend it enough, great for beginners and experts alike.”
“Love this place i really need to go back the bond and connection at this place makes you feel like family as if you are home”
“I was very impressed with the level of detail in his instruction and focus on Randori, or live sparring practice.”
“There are classes almost every day, so this dojo is a great fit for anyone who wants to get serious about martial arts and/or get a great workout multiple times per week.”
“He and his students have many gold medals and have a passion for Judo.”
From the reviews
I can only speak for what Sensei Koji does for kids, as I have my son attending, and he teaches the way is taught in Japan, as a Sport and for self defense, and not to hurt others. My son is shy, but Sensei has been able to make him be more outgoing and open as well as developing his skills...
I am so happy I found this place. After being turned off by the high prices of other clubs and predatory contracts and hidden fee's I came across Kamikaze Judo. Sensei Fukumoto is a very knowledgeable and down to earth instructor.
I am so lucky to have my son join Sensei Fukumoto’s class. It is a above and beyond experience for us. Sensei learned the tradition Judo at Japan and is very passionate about it. Always instruct kids with patience, agin and again. I like small family-like dojo instead of the commercial ones.
Small low key operation but a really knowledgeable sensei. Definitely recommend this for the kids for sure. The adult classes are neat too. All ages from young military to retired 50, 60, 70yr old students. Definitely a life long term practice.
New to judo? Start at Kamikaze Judo
Kamikaze Judo 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.
Your first judo class at Kamikaze 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 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.
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