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Sawtelle Judo Dojo
4.6 ★★★★★ 16 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Los Angeles, California
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
- Membership memberships run around $60/mo — many dojos also offer a discounted first month and family plans, so ask about new-member rates
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth judo classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule sawtellejudoschool.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 310-463-4962
Hours
| Monday | 4–9:30 pm |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 4–9:30 pm |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | 4–10 pm |
| Saturday | 12–3 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“This place just has so many good people who really care about you or your kid.”
“This Dojo is a real traditionell judo where you can train to become a judo champion in Olympics one day or just to build self confidence and be physically in great shape.”
“If anyone wants to learn something for his/her whole life instead of 'just' throwing or fighting skills, I definitely recommend Sawtelle.”
“Self defense, absolutely, but a lot more than that.”
Other martial arts here
“Self defense, absolutely, but a lot more than that.”
What members say
“Everyone treats each other with respect and everyone is there to train.”
“This place is all about teaching your child to become a great citizen and a great Athlet with discipline and knowledge .”
From the reviews
If anyone wants to learn something for his/her whole life instead of 'just' throwing or fighting skills, I definitely recommend Sawtelle. Sensei Osugi is just like Dr. Kano (who is the founder of Judo). They both put emphasis on every individual's full development as the real goal of Judo. Yes, championship matters.
We love this place, I’m happy I found this school for my child. We love the sensei’s/instructors. Each Sensei and all volunteer instructors are super dedicated, it’s unbelievable how much time and energy they invest for no money. They spent same energy and dedication with one or 20 kids.
Sawtelle Judo Dojo is amazing. The senseis, the students Sawtelle attracts, are all such great people and great judokas. Stick with your practice here and you will get *so much* in return! Self defense, absolutely, but a lot more than that.
I spend a lot of my youth here. So happy that it’s still running strong. The sensais are fantastic. And it will benefit anyone who wants to study this amazing sport.
Your first judo class at Sawtelle Judo Dojo
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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