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Marin Judo Academy
5 ★★★★★ 11 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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule marinjudo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (415) 881-0261
Hours
| Monday | 3–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 3–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 3–7 PM |
| Thursday | 3–7 PM |
| Friday | 3–7 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Awesome for both kids and adults - everyone’s supportive and the instructors care about teaching all levels.”
“The coaches are amazing—patient, friendly, and able to channel the kids’ high energy into a fun, positive, and structured environment.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“Everyone here is friendly and welcoming, it feels like a second family.”
“The coaches are amazing—patient, friendly, and able to channel the kids’ high energy into a fun, positive, and structured environment.”
“The beauty of this journey is that not only gives you discipline and motivation at the dojo But to apply that in your everyday life.”
From the reviews
It has been a great place and has given me a new sense of motivation. We have a sensei that keep us motivation every single day to keep training hard and learn skills. The beauty of this journey is that not only gives you discipline and motivation at the dojo But to apply that in your everyday life.
I’m extremely happy with Marin Judo Academy. Super friendly, welcoming vibe and a great community. Awesome for both kids and adults - everyone’s supportive and the instructors care about teaching all levels. This is a place where people really want to be, highly recommend! Thank you!
Great judo academy! The coaches are professional, patient, and very experienced. The training atmosphere is respectful and motivating, making it a great place for all skill levels.
Great dojo! Everyone here is friendly and welcoming, it feels like a second family. 10/10 would recommend taking classes here!
New to judo? Start at Marin Judo Academy
Marin 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 Marin 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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