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Kokushi kai Judo Academy
5 ★★★★★ 24 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Fair Lawn, New Jersey
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 (ages 5–14) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- 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 ·
- Website & schedule kokushikai.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 201-797-8988
Hours
| Monday | 4–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 3–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 6–9 pm |
| Thursday | 3–9 pm |
| Friday | 6–8 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | 9 am–3 pm |
The classes they run
“My daughter visited it the first time and she want to continue study in this Academy!”
“My daughter visited it the first time and she want to continue study in this Academy!”
“Sensei is an Olympic champion, her sensei Matsumura is always present at training, which means a lot.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“Sensei is an Olympic champion, her sensei Matsumura is always present at training, which means a lot.”
“My daughter visited it the first time and she want to continue study in this Academy!”
“My family has built confidence, strength, and a sense of well being from this combination of Judo and Yoga.”
“My family has built confidence, strength, and a sense of well being from this combination of Judo and Yoga.”
From the reviews
The most top notch Judo school around. My daughter attends Kokushikai and not only is she learning world class Judo within a traditional Dojo but she also receives the support and nurturing she needs to grow as a positive young lady.
My kid has been training here for almost 6 months, I can see the difference. More interested in this sport after training, got a couple of stripes on belt). Sensei is an Olympic champion, her sensei Matsumura is always present at training, which means a lot. They learn respect and discipline. This is a serious sport.
Incredible dojo with phenomenal instructors who are not only accomplished, but very understanding and great at teaching. Can't recommend enough.
Unique place with amazing culture and high quality judo. You become a family the moment you step in.
New to judo? Start at Kokushi kai Judo Academy
Kokushi kai Judo Academy 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 Kokushi kai Judo Academy
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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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site