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San Diego Judo and Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 26 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Poway, 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
- Competition a competition team for members who want to test themselves in shiai (tournaments)
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule sdjudo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (619) 786-2820
Hours
| Monday | 4–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 4–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 4–9 PM |
| Thursday | 4–9 PM |
| Friday | 4–9 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–3 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“This is a great dojo for both beginners and black belts, I appreciate to be able to train at San Diego Judo and Jiu Jitsu”
“My husband grew up doing Judo (ok, Junior National champion in US and Canada) and searched all over San Diego for a dojo with proper training basics for our kids.”
“Adult class is consisted of thorough warmup and drills, uchikomi, nagekomi, and randori, no time wasted and I always feel great after practice!”
“Instructors have the rare gift of being both excellent competitors and excellent teachers.”
“Judo has greatly helped my son in his jiu jitsu competitions with scoring takedowns.”
Other martial arts here
“This is a great dojo for both beginners and black belts, I appreciate to be able to train at San Diego Judo and Jiu Jitsu”
What members say
“Sensei Leilani and Jacob are amazing with a wealth of experience and accomplishments themselves.”
“The dojo has such a welcoming, grounding energy — it feels like a place where kids can learn strong skills while also feeling safe and cared for.”
“The dojo has such a welcoming, grounding energy — it feels like a place where kids can learn strong skills while also feeling safe and cared for.”
“His level of expertise is phenomenal and watching him perform throws is amazing.”
“Her background having competed in the World Judo championships several years adds a level of knowledge second to none.”
“My gi doesn't smell after training because mats are clean.”
From the reviews
My 10 year old son has been training jiu jitsu since he was 4. When introduced to Sensei Leilani Akiyama and her judo program over a year ago he has become invigorated with the sport and his mentor Sensei Leilani. Leilanis demeanor is perfect for kids and adults.
Great instruction and facility. The owners really poured their hearts into creating this space for judo!
Myself and both of my young kids train at San Diego Judo, and we all love it! Properly raised mats make it safe and comfortable to take falls, no gaps between mats so your toes would not get caught. My gi doesn't smell after training because mats are clean.
My 8- and 14-year-old daughters recently started judo here, and they absolutely love it! Every Tuesday and Thursday, they can’t wait to get their gis on and head to class. The dojo has such a welcoming, grounding energy — it feels like a place where kids can learn strong skills while also feeling safe and cared for.
New to judo? Start at San Diego Judo and Jiu Jitsu
San Diego Judo and Jiu Jitsu 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 San Diego Judo and Jiu Jitsu
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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