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Top Judo

5 ★★★★★ 27 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Mountain View, California

Judo dojo Affiliated Beginners welcome Kids & teens Newaza Competition

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.

Academy, club and school for Olympic-style martial arts featuring children's classes and adult programs.

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 — 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 tamcenter.org — book classes and see the live schedule

Hours

Monday 5–8:30 PM
Tuesday 5–8:30 PM
Wednesday 5–8:30 PM
Thursday 5–8:30 PM
Friday 5–8:30 PM
Saturday 10–11:30 AM
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 Top Judo, confirmed in members' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌱 Beginners 3 mentions

“As a father of four, and getting into contact support for the first time in my life, I was wary of stepping onto the mat.”

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🧒 Kids Judo 6 mentions

“She is amazing with children, training with her has been such a joy, she brought so much warmth and fun and all her tips to fix your technique works !”

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🥋 Adult Judo

“There are a variety of programs, from children's programs to adult programs, and there are great instructors, so I learn a lot.”

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🏆 Competition (Shiai) 5 mentions

“Top Judo combines the highest level instruction with a warm family environment plus a select competition team for those looking to really push themselves.”

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🥇 Olympic Judo 13 mentions

“Although Kodokan released 100 Judo techniques in Youtube nowadays and people can learn the forms through the videos, Judo should be learned through practice with body memory.”

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🤼 Newaza (Groundwork)

“This is the one of the best places to practice Tachi Waza and Ne Waza in the area.”

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🤸 Throws (Nage-waza) 2 mentions

“Top Judo is also recommended for Jiujitsu practitioners who want to sharpen the throwing technique before entering ground competitions.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense

“Whether you want to learn self defense, or just to get healthy and be in shape.”

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Other martial arts here

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

🥋 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

“Top Judo is also recommended for Jiujitsu practitioners who want to sharpen the throwing technique before entering ground competitions.”

Other dojos that also teach brazilian jiu-jitsu →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“Whether you want to learn self defense, or just to get healthy and be in shape.”

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 27 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 4 mentions

“The blend of world-class instruction and a welcoming community makes TOP Judo Club a five-star gem for those seeking to refine their skills and embrace the art of judo.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 4 mentions

“The blend of world-class instruction and a welcoming community makes TOP Judo Club a five-star gem for those seeking to refine their skills and embrace the art of judo.”

🤝 respectful, no-ego dojo 8 mentions

“The blend of world-class instruction and a welcoming community makes TOP Judo Club a five-star gem for those seeking to refine their skills and embrace the art of judo.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 11 mentions

“Although Kodokan released 100 Judo techniques in Youtube nowadays and people can learn the forms through the videos, Judo should be learned through practice with body memory.”

🧒 strong kids program 2 mentions

“My kids 7y and 9y love go to Top Judo, they are not active kids, but they do enjoy all the coach instructions and games.”

🏆 active competition team 9 mentions

“The expertise of Master Sun Choi, a former Olympian with a proven track record in high-level judo competitions, adds immense value to the club's training program.”

From the reviews

Top Judo is the Best Judo club in the united states(not just in bay area) Master Sunho Choi is former 2008 Beijing olympian and multiple world champion. It’s very rare opportunity to learn from the real deal like him. Do not miss out this precious opportunity!

★★★★★ — Lee, Jun 2023

This is a top-notch academy to practice and train Judo. The instruction here is very technical, thoroughly emphasizing every last detail to make you a successful judoka who can truly go out there and keep up with the best.

★★★★★ — Michael, Jan 2024

Top judo lead by head coach Master Sam (SunHo Choi) is home to 3 world class athletes and coaches. Master Sam is a former Korean National Team, world champions and Beijing Olympian. He has coached many world champions and Olympic medalists. He brought so much heart and passion in his teaching.

★★★★★ — M, Jan 2024

Top Judo stands out as an exceptional Judo club, offering a top notch training experience led by highly skilled coaches. The expertise of Master Sun Choi, a former Olympian with a proven track record in high-level judo competitions, adds immense value to the club's training program.

★★★★★ — Joshua, Jan 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 27 reviews →

New to judo? Start at Top Judo

Top 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first judo class at Top 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. 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 Top Judo

2124 W El Camino Real, Mountain View, CA94040

Get directions

More judo dojos near Mountain View

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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site

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All judo dojos in Mountain View, 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.