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Kokushi Budo Institute
4.9 ★★★★★ 53 Google reviews · Judo dojo in New York, New York
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
- 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
- Open mat open-mat randori sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Competition a competition team for members who want to test themselves in shiai (tournaments)
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule kokushibudo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (212) 866-6777
Hours
| Monday | 9 AM–9:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–9:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–9:30 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–9:30 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–9:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–2 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The community at Kokushi Budo Institute is also outstanding, welcoming, respectful, and supportive, whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced practitioner.”
“From the kids classes to the advanced adult judo classes, the aikido and karate are all tailored to make you better!”
“From the kids classes to the advanced adult judo classes, the aikido and karate are all tailored to make you better!”
“It’s a great place to study and train judo whether your goal is to compete or are just looking for a fun, challenging, and rewarding hobby.”
“If you’re looking for a place to learn from the best or throw down with the best on a Friday night, you’ve found the right place.”
“Whether your primary goal is self-defense, competition, getting in better shape, or being part of a community, everyone can find what they’re looking for at KBI.”
Other martial arts here
“The quality of instruction in judo and BJJ is exceptional, with a clear emphasis on proper technique, fundamentals, and real understanding rather than shortcuts.”
“From the kids classes to the advanced adult judo classes, the aikido and karate are all tailored to make you better!”
“From the kids classes to the advanced adult judo classes, the aikido and karate are all tailored to make you better!”
“Whether your primary goal is self-defense, competition, getting in better shape, or being part of a community, everyone can find what they’re looking for at KBI.”
What members say
“High-level guests come in all the time, seminars with world-class instructors happen regularly, and social events make for a thriving environment.”
“The community at Kokushi Budo Institute is also outstanding, welcoming, respectful, and supportive, whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced practitioner.”
“The instructors are super welcoming and attentive, and were quick to make me feel at home Since Iv been here my judo game has improved beyond anything I would have ever imagined.”
“Shintaro is one of the most technical coaches, who, unlike any other i’ve trained with, will teach you to make you better by showing technique that works for YOU.”
“Whether your primary goal is self-defense, competition, getting in better shape, or being part of a community, everyone can find what they’re looking for at KBI.”
“The community at Kokushi Budo Institute is also outstanding, welcoming, respectful, and supportive, whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced practitioner.”
From the reviews
This dojo was special from the beginning! The classes are challenging but doable. The randori rounds feels safe and spirited with a plethora of amazing judokas and students of the game. Sensei Shintaro, Eugene, and Matteo all work together to make an amazing learning experience in the dojo.
Kokushi Budo is not just a fantastic martial arts institution, but a great community. Sensei Shintaro Higashi brought me into the fold and introduced me to judo in a fun and safe way, while also making sure that I absorbed techniques both efficiently and effectively.
Kokushi Budo Institute is the best place to train judo in New York. The community, high level of instruction, and attention to all students is unmatched. High-level guests come in all the time, seminars with world-class instructors happen regularly, and social events make for a thriving environment.
Very welcoming and supportive community of judokas. It’s full of great training partners. And the instructions are top-notch and enables you to develop your own style of judo. It’s a great place to study and train judo whether your goal is to compete or are just looking for a fun, challenging, and rewarding hobby.
New to judo? Start at Kokushi Budo Institute
Kokushi Budo Institute 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 Kokushi Budo Institute
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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