Home › California › Santa Clara › Silicon Valley Judo
Silicon Valley Judo
4.6 ★★★★★ 11 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Santa Clara, California
Family-friendly dojo providing judo instruction for kids to grown-ups, at all levels.
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 (ages 4–18) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's judo classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- 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 svjudo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (408) 471-7796
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 3:45–9 PM |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 3:45–9 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My kids enjoyed their year of Judo and they would still be practicing at SVJ if we didn't move out of state.”
“The adult classes have students that range in age from teens to some well into their sixties.”
“Lorne Mayeda Allowed my kids to join in with the adult class and there were alot of brown and black belts in the class.”
“SVJ has recently started a class for women only called Judo Fit.”
“SVJ has had guest instructors in to do clinics such as Marty Malloy, Olympic bronze medalist and Mike Swain, a five time Olympian.”
“SVJ has had guest instructors in to do clinics such as Marty Malloy, Olympic bronze medalist and Mike Swain, a five time Olympian.”
“After some demonstrations on turn overs, class spent considerable time on Newaza and Randori.”
“I like that the head instructor incorporates new ideas into the basic throws and pins.”
What members say
“The club is ran by a family dedicated to the sport and the students.”
“The assistant instructors are wonderful too and really pay attention to technique and keep everyone safe.”
“SVJ has had guest instructors in to do clinics such as Marty Malloy, Olympic bronze medalist and Mike Swain, a five time Olympian.”
“SVJ has recently started a class for women only called Judo Fit.”
From the reviews
SVJ is a family-owned and operated judo school. I’ve been a student here since 2005 in the adult program. My boys took classes in the pre-judo and juniors program for many years. The dojo is well cared for and very clean. The instructors are highly qualified and professional.
We had the pleasure of joining SVJ today. I have 5 kids ranged 9 to 13 and live in Nevada. We have no Dojo where we live and since my kids love to compete, we travel to California and visit different Dojos. This club was amazing.
My kids enjoyed their year of Judo and they would still be practicing at SVJ if we didn't move out of state. They learned so much and still remember some basic skills. Sensei Lorne and Sensei Lori are excellent instructors.
Great place to learn and practice Judo. The club is ran by a family dedicated to the sport and the students. You can go the knowing that you will learn a lot every time you show up!
New to judo? Start at Silicon Valley Judo
Silicon Valley Judo 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 Silicon Valley Judo
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.
More judo dojos near Santa Clara
Nakano Judo Academy
4.9 ★★★★★ 116 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Smash Gyms Sunnyvale
4.5 ★★★★★ 31 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
CJ Judo
5 ★★★★★ 23 reviews