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Valley Judo Institute
5 ★★★★★ 24 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Sun Valley, 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 valleyjudoinstitute.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (818) 351-6651
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 6–9:30 PM |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 6–9:30 PM |
| Friday | 6–9:30 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–12 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Great school, great Sensei, truly there for the kids they care more about teaching and training the kids versus a for profit model like some other schools.”
“Excellent dojo to train at if you are serious about competing in tournaments.”
“They are wonderful with children as well as adults and welcome all skill levels.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“My family have studied judo in New Jersey, New York, Chicago, and California.”
From the reviews
Valley Judo Institute is one of the best dojo‘s in the US. My family have studied judo in New Jersey, New York, Chicago, and California. This is the most competitive dojo in the area. Sensei and his staff of black belts are amazing. They are wonderful with children as well as adults and welcome all skill levels.
Great school, great Sensei, truly there for the kids they care more about teaching and training the kids versus a for profit model like some other schools. That truly means a lot for parents and kids alike!!! Passing down the knowledge!!
Great Judo dojo. I hope they get it going again. They were forced to stop due to covid. Great atmosphere great people.
My home Dojo... I wouldn't trade it for the world. This is where I grew up practicing Judo. Sensei Sus is about the development of the kids. I
New to judo? Start at Valley Judo Institute
Valley Judo Institute 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 Valley Judo Institute
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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