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Yamasaki Academy Springfield
4.6 ★★★★★ 67 Google reviews · Judo dojo in North Springfield, Virginia
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
- 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
- Membership memberships run around $80/mo — many dojos also offer a discounted first month and family plans, so ask about new-member rates
- 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 yamasakispringfield.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (703) 559-4513
Hours
| Monday | 5–10:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 5:45–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 5–10:30 PM |
| Thursday | 4:45–9 PM |
| Friday | 6–8:45 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–3 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Whether you're a beginner or an advanced practitioner, Professor Neto's classes offer something valuable.”
“If you are looking for a place that balanced grace and rigor in a kid's program, highly recommend allowing you kids to come try this dojo.”
“This is a great friendly place, a lot of competitors and black belts that’s willing to help” The Coaches are great, and the lessons are good, it will improve your skill set & body!”
“My family wanted to take a break from wrestling, so we decided to try out Yamasaki BJJ and Sport Judo for a few months.”
“Whether you have competitive aspirations, just want to get fit and healthy or just want to learn self defense there is no better or MORE COMPLETE gym anywhere in the DMV.”
Other martial arts here
“The Yamasaki Academy is the best Jiu-Jitsu school in the United States and Neto is by far one of the best instructors in the world.”
“My family wanted to take a break from wrestling, so we decided to try out Yamasaki BJJ and Sport Judo for a few months.”
“Whether you have competitive aspirations, just want to get fit and healthy or just want to learn self defense there is no better or MORE COMPLETE gym anywhere in the DMV.”
What members say
“The Yamasaki Academy is the best Jiu-Jitsu school in the United States and Neto is by far one of the best instructors in the world.”
“As a parent, I really appreciate the safe, respectful, and welcoming environment they create for kids, young adults, and women.”
“This is a great friendly place, a lot of competitors and black belts that’s willing to help” The Coaches are great, and the lessons are good, it will improve your skill set & body!”
“Francisco Neto is a phenomenal instructor with a professional and systematic approach to the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.”
“This is a great friendly place, a lot of competitors and black belts that’s willing to help” The Coaches are great, and the lessons are good, it will improve your skill set & body!”
“The environment is welcoming, clean, and very family‑friendly, and the staff is always helpful and easy to talk to.”
From the reviews
My experience with Yamasaki Academy has been awesome. Neto and other instructors are very knowledgeable and have multiple years of experience training and teaching. They are very patient with new members and make sure that no one feels left out.
I've had the privilege of training under Professor Neto in Jiujitsu, and it has been an extraordinary journey. His expertise, patience, and dedication to teaching are unparalleled.
This gym is my pride and joy. My home. Every visit feels like I never left. I have traveled the world over and competed against a who’s who of legends of the sport of BJJ. I earned my black belt here nearly 6 years ago and wouldn’t have it any other way.
My girlfriend had been training at Yamasaki Springfield for a couple years before I came in to visit at the start of 2019. I’ve since been training Brazilian jiu-jitsu here and my only regret is not having started sooner.
New to judo? Start at Yamasaki Academy Springfield
Yamasaki Academy Springfield 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 Yamasaki Academy Springfield
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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