HomeCaliforniaFullerton › Samurai Academy

Samurai Academy

5 ★★★★★ 20 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Fullerton, California

Kids & teens Private lessons Competition

Plan your first class

  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth judo classes (ages 1–3) — 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
  • Competition a competition team for members who want to test themselves in shiai (tournaments)
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule samuraiacademy.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (714) 524-5436

Hours

Monday 4–5:45 PM
Tuesday 4–7:45 PM
Wednesday 4–5:45 PM
Thursday 4–7:45 PM
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, seminars, and open-mat times — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

Judo classes on the schedule at Samurai Academy, confirmed in members' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Judo 9 mentions

“A cut above the rest: The owner and lead instructor, Daniel, immediately put people at ease, kids, adults, and seniors.”

All dojos that run kids judo →

🥇 Olympic Judo

“Some travel from a ways away because this few places teach Judo in the traditional way, including the self-defense and cultural aspects (most just teach to the Olympic sport).”

All dojos that run olympic judo →

👤 Private Lessons

“I take private lessons 3x a week.”

All dojos that run private lessons →

🛡️ Self-Defense 5 mentions

“Some travel from a ways away because this few places teach Judo in the traditional way, including the self-defense and cultural aspects (most just teach to the Olympic sport).”

All dojos that run self-defense →

Other martial arts here

Judo dojos are often multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at Samurai Academy — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🥋 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 2 mentions

“Over the years I have trained Jiu Jitsu on and off at this academy.”

Other dojos that also teach brazilian jiu-jitsu →

🎽 Karate 5 mentions

“It is a great school where you can train Karate and Judo.”

Other dojos that also teach karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense 5 mentions

“Some travel from a ways away because this few places teach Judo in the traditional way, including the self-defense and cultural aspects (most just teach to the Olympic sport).”

Other dojos that also teach self-defense →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the dojo's own info — they show what members have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want BJJ, wrestling, or sambo alongside your judo, confirm the current schedule with the dojo.

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 20 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 3 mentions

“Sensei Daniel is a very nice instructor who does not only have great techniques but also a warm heart for his students.”

🤝 respectful, no-ego dojo 3 mentions

“He is a great teacher, and the rest of the students (of all ages) are friendly and share a love for the art forms.”

🧒 strong kids program 2 mentions

“My daughter loves learning Judo here with Sensei Daniel.”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 2 mentions

“I have learned so much here such as, honor, self defense, martial art traditions, respect, and discipline.”

From the reviews

A cut above the rest: The owner and lead instructor, Daniel, immediately put people at ease, kids, adults, and seniors. He's got a really soft, sweet character that belies his deep knowledge and practice of martial arts.

★★★★★ — Josh, Feb 2017

I started my martial art journey at Samurai Academy. It is a great school where you can train Karate and Judo. Sensei Daniel is a very nice instructor who does not only have great techniques but also a warm heart for his students. Highly recommended!

★★★★★ — Paul, Jul 2020

Sensei Daniel is awesome! He's extremely patient and passionate about teaching. You can tell that he really wants to turn you into a better fighter!

★★★★★ — Alex, Jul 2017

I started coming to Samurai Academy in 2018. Sensei Daniel has always taught his students to use physical training only in self-defense when there is no other choice. It’s something to have in reserve ready to go. If a situation arises where conflict can’t be avoided, his students have no choice but to win.

★★★★★ — Josh, Jul 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 20 reviews →

Your first judo class at Samurai 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.

Judo is a contact sport. Ease in, tap early and often, listen to your sensei, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Samurai Academy

906 E Commonwealth Ave, Fullerton, CA92831

Get directions

More judo dojos near Fullerton

Los Angeles Judo Club - OC

5 ★★★★★ 3 reviews

6940 Beach Blvd D-212, Buena Park, CA

Judo dojo Beginners welcome Kids & teens Competition welcoming to beginnersrespectful, no-ego dojoactive competition team

5.1 miles away

Team 1 Judo Dojo

5 ★★★★★ 8 reviews

909 S Dale Ave, Anaheim, CA

Judo dojo Beginners welcome Kids & teens expert, high-level coachingrespectful, no-ego dojo

5.5 miles away

Orange County Judo Training Center

4.8 ★★★★★ 32 reviews

10706 Garden Grove Blvd, Garden Grove, CA

🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site

Judo dojo Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Competition Affiliated expert, high-level coachingwelcoming to beginnersrespectful, no-ego dojo

7.0 miles away

All judo dojos in Fullerton, CA →

Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this dojo? Claim your listing — it's free.