Sawtelle Judo Dojo

Sawtelle Judo Dojo is located at 11318 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064, United States of America.

Sawtelle Judo Dojo stands as one of the oldest Judo schools in the United States.

Founded in 1927 by Tadashi Kikuchi Shihan, the dojo carries a legacy of tradition and excellence that spans nearly a century.

Its deep roots in Los Angeles have made it a cornerstone of the judo community in West Los Angeles, where generations of judoka have trained under its guiding principles.

The dojo is currently led by Kenji Osugi, a seventh-degree black belt recognized as Shichidan, who serves as head instructor.

His leadership continues the high standards set by the school’s founder, emphasizing discipline, technique, and respect.

Under his guidance, Sawtelle Judo Dojo offers structured training for practitioners of all ages and experience levels.

Programmes at the dojo are designed to meet the needs of diverse groups. Little Kids’ classes serve children aged 4 to 6, introducing them to the fundamentals of movement and safety.

Younger beginners aged 6 to 12 join the Junior Novice class, while more experienced youth in the same age range progress to Juniors’ classes once they achieve yellow belt and beyond.

For older participants, the Senior Novice class welcomes those 13 years and above who are new to judo.

These sessions focus on foundational skills, beginning with ukemi, or breakfall training, which is essential for safe practice.

Beginners benefit from dedicated ukemi-only sessions on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, allowing them to build confidence and proficiency quickly.

Seniors’ classes also cater to participants aged 13 and above, providing a pathway for continued development.

The training environment fosters both recreational and competitive growth, supporting members as they advance through the belt ranks.

Regular practice is held on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings, with specific times allocated for different programmes.

Sawtelle Judo Dojo is affiliated with the United States Judo Federation (USJF) and USA Judo, ensuring alignment with national standards and competition frameworks.

This affiliation supports grading, coaching certification, and participation in sanctioned events.

The school’s long-standing presence and institutional ties reinforce its role as a trusted center for authentic Kodokan Judo instruction.