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Obukan
5 ★★★★★ 36 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Portland, Oregon
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
- 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
- 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 obukanjudo.org — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (503) 208-3035
Hours
| Monday | 7–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 6–9 PM |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 6–9 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 8:30 AM–12:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I just started so I’m still in beginner class but they definitely care about giving you a good foundation of movement and tradition in beginner classes.”
“I couldn’t ask for better mentors for my son.”
“You can really tell the difference at the tournaments when you see an Obukan player vs.”
“Obukan Dojo embodies true budo in a thousand ways and brings honor to the legacy of Kano Jigoro Sensei, the founder of Kodokan Judo.”
“Most of the time is spent on stand up grappling, so the ground grappling level is not gonna be as strong as bjj.”
Other martial arts here
“Most of the time is spent on stand up grappling, so the ground grappling level is not gonna be as strong as bjj.”
“Over the years I have trained to black belt in three different systems of Karate.”
What members say
“There are several amazing instructors each with a different but collaborative take on Judo.”
“I just started so I’m still in beginner class but they definitely care about giving you a good foundation of movement and tradition in beginner classes.”
“The people are some of the kindest and most respectful I've met, there is a strong sense of community and everyone looks out for each other's safety first.”
“As a physical therapist, the way they explain techniques translates well to my brain.”
“You can really tell the difference at the tournaments when you see an Obukan player vs.”
“Obukan Dojo embodies true budo in a thousand ways and brings honor to the legacy of Kano Jigoro Sensei, the founder of Kodokan Judo.”
From the reviews
I will never be able to properly convey just how important this dojo has become in my life. When I first heard of Obukan it was through multiple referrals by friends and family.
My 15 year old son has been attending classes for about 8 months now. He researched and found Obukan Judo and as they say the rest is history. I’ve been around a lot of variety in the martial arts world and this dojo and the instructors are by far some of the best in the US.
I began my training in 1968 with Obukan in Portland oregon at the age of 13. I promoted to a respectable level after 3 years, then discontinued my training there. Over the years I have trained to black belt in three different systems of Karate.
The instructors at Obukan are incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and supportive. They care immensely about the sport and their students, and they foster a family culture that can't be beat.
New to judo? Start at Obukan
Obukan 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 Obukan
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
