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Kensei Judo
4.7 ★★★★★ 26 Google reviews · Judo dojo in San Jose, California
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 — 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 kenseijudo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 408-429-9555
Hours
| Monday | 5–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 5–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 5–10 pm |
| Thursday | 5–10 pm |
| Friday | 5–10 pm |
| Saturday | 11 am–1 pm, 5–10 pm |
| Sunday | 2–4 pm |
The classes they run
“Whether you’re a complete beginner or an advanced judoka, they meet you at your level and push you to improve with clear instruction and constructive feedback.”
“There are lots of seats available for parents to sit and watch their kids practice, which makes the experience even more enjoyable.”
“They put springs underneath the mat, so it feels significantly less impact when you get thrown.”
Other martial arts here
“After spending seven years practicing Shotokan karate, I decided to make the switch to judo.”
What members say
“Sensei Soren is amazing - calm, respectful, provides detailed explanation of the technique and thorough supervision.”
“The environment is welcoming, respectful, and built on the traditional values of discipline, perseverance, and mutual respect.”
“This dojo has good facilities, clean, bright, great pricing, nice coaches and the owner is friendly and sweet, make me comfortable while I have wait for my daughter.”
“Sensei Soren is amazing - calm, respectful, provides detailed explanation of the technique and thorough supervision.”
“This dojo has good facilities, clean, bright, great pricing, nice coaches and the owner is friendly and sweet, make me comfortable while I have wait for my daughter.”
“The culture at Kensei fosters connection, learning, and respect, and it didn’t take long before I began building new friendships.”
From the reviews
I remember joining the dojo just to get extra practice. As someone with a long history of striking martial arts, I thought the warm up was the easy part, which turn out to be wrong. It took me some time for me to transition to judo.
This is a really awesome place. The senseis who instruct are very patient with the young kids. My 5 year old has been coming since he was 4 and has made so many friends. Our family has made many new friends too. It’s a nice community and the owners are very sweet. I highly recommend!
After spending seven years practicing Shotokan karate, I decided to make the switch to judo. I was thrilled to discover a newly opened dojo in my area—Kensei Judo. At first, the transition was a bit of a culture shock, but everyone at Kensei immediately made me feel welcome.
We are so glad that we found Kensei Judo. We have been looking for a place for our 10-year-old to attend to help build his confidence. Not only has he thrived while being here, but he is more disciplined and has translated to not only at home but also at school.
New to judo? Start at Kensei Judo
Kensei 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 Kensei 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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