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Tamayo's Judo
5 ★★★★★ 15 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Palo Alto, 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
- 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 tamayojudo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (415) 828-2662
Hours
| Monday | 3:30–7:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 3:30–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 3:30–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 3:30–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 3:30–7 PM |
| Saturday | 8:30 AM–2 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My little guy is a wild one, and towards the younger side of the age range for the little kids class, and Sensei is absolutely wonderful with him and the other kids.”
Other martial arts here
“Elijah a champion wrestler and Amazon employee and Ezra an undefeated MMA player and sheriffs deputy.”
What members say
“Amazing instructor, brought out the best in our children.”
“Im looking forward to being a long term family here.”
From the reviews
Sensei Raul Tamayo is the kind of Sensei who stresses the most appealing aspects of Judo such as respect, self-discipline, and commitment, while also ensuring that the kids have fun. It is amazing to me how much my sons have grown in their years working with Sensei Tamayo.
Took my sons Eli and Ezra to his classes when he was at Stanford,. Both sons are successful men now. Elijah a champion wrestler and Amazon employee and Ezra an undefeated MMA player and sheriffs deputy. Raul Tomayo is an excellent instructor.
I used to train with Sensei Raul at Stanford Judo Club before COVID. He is a great coach, and above all a great human being. Good memories. I would love to attend again if I recover well from my injuires & surgeries.
I can't speak highly enough of this dojo. My little guy is a wild one, and towards the younger side of the age range for the little kids class, and Sensei is absolutely wonderful with him and the other kids. He is patient, upbeat, and helpful with the little ones. And he RUNS them the whole session.
New to judo? Start at Tamayo's Judo
Tamayo's 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 Tamayo's 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.
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