Judo in New York City (NYC): 23 Clubs, Find Your Dojo Today

Clubs by borough

Judo classes in NYC

• Beginners: 11 of the 23 clubs offer a free first class or trial (Kokushi Budo's is for New York and New Jersey residents only). LIC Judo runs an adult fundamentals class, and Marlon Colorado Judo says you do not need to be fit to start.
• Kids: Kids judo classes start from age 2 at Krystek School of Judo, in a parent-and-toddler class. Most other kids judo classes start at 4 or 5.
• Adults: Adult judo classes run at LIC Judo, Samir Judo, Gentleway Masters Judo Club and Staten Island Judo Jujitsu Dojo, among others, many on weekday evenings. Kokushi Budo and ITC New York lend a gi to new students.
• Prices: Monthly judo memberships run $150 to $200 at Marlon Colorado Judo and $239 to $299 for adults at Kokushi Budo. A single visit costs $35 to $50.

Manhattan (6)

1. Kokushi Budo (Upper West Side). Since 1963. Head instructor Shintaro Higashi. Kids from age 4. Free trial, for New York and New Jersey residents only. Lends a gi to new students.
2. Japanese American Budokan (Midtown). Since 2022. Judo coach Chris Fukuma, 5th degree black belt. Free trial.
3. Oishi Judo Club (Greenwich Street). Since 1969. Head instructor Shiro Oishi. Kids from age 5. Listed by the United States Judo Federation. No trial classes, but you can watch for free.
4. Kano Martial Arts (Chelsea). Head instructor Garry St. Leger. Judo for all levels and a kids class. Free first class.
5. Five Points Academy (Lafayette Street). Large gym with judo among many classes.
6. Washington Heights Judo Academy (Broadway, at 190th Street). Kodokan judo on Wednesdays, 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. Call ahead before your first visit.

The New York Open Judo Championship, an international team event, is held at the New York Athletic Club (NYAC) on Central Park South.

Brooklyn (6)

1. Judo Sambo Center. Judo, sambo and wrestling since 1996. Head trainer Felix Sverdlin, 5th degree black belt. Kids from 5, teens and adults from 13. Free first session (Facebook).
2. Samir Judo. Kids, teen and adult classes. Teens train Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; adults Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
3. Generation Judo, Sambo, Kickboxing (275 Avenue U, Brooklyn, with a second location at 609 Midland Avenue, Staten Island). Kids, teenagers and adults, with competition training. Founder Sensei Oleksander holds a 4th dan. Free trial. Classes Monday, Wednesday, Friday evenings and Saturday mornings.
4. Darfight Judo Club (Brighton Beach). Running since 2010. Kids, teenagers and adults. Its kids program focuses on self-confidence, respect and discipline. Its teen program includes competition preparation. Book a free class by text or email.
5. Brooklyn Judo Academy (Gowanus). Kids ages 4 to 17 and adults of all levels.
6. Williamsburg MMA (Greenpoint). Mixed martial arts (MMA) gym with a judo program. Free first class, only for new students who live nearby.

Queens (7)

1. LIC Judo (Long Island City Judo). Kids ages 7 to 11 on Tuesday and Friday at 5:45 p.m. Adult fundamentals and main classes on weekday evenings and Sunday mornings.
2. Marlon Colorado Judo (Long Island City). Judo from $150 a month. Free first class. The club says you do not need to be fit to start. Gi (judo uniform) rental $30.
3. ITC New York (International Training Center, Astoria). Judo coach Danny Gutman. Judo on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Free judo trial class, with a gi lent for it.
4. IJC Martial Arts (Flushing; the club uses only the initials). Running since 2011. Teen and adult judo, Muay Thai and BJJ. Kids martial arts from age 4. Saro Balagezyan teaches judo.
5. Gentleway Masters Judo Club (Forest Hills). Kids Thursday 6:00 p.m. Adults Tuesday and Thursday 8:00 p.m. Family class Saturday 11:00 a.m.
6. Krystek School of Judo (Ozone Park). Since 1968. Parent-and-toddler class from age 2 (a parent joins in), kids up to 14, and adult judo and BJJ.
7. NYBBC Judo (New York Black Belt Center, Bayside). Mainly a taekwondo school with a judo class; call for details.

The Bronx (2)

1. Bronx Judo and Martial Arts (East Tremont Avenue). Call for class details.
2. Jamie Towers Judo Club (Pugsley Avenue). Map listings say it teaches young students. We found no website, so call ahead.

Staten Island (2)

1. Staten Island Judo Jujitsu Dojo (Tottenville). Open since 1962. Head instructor Joseph Cannizzo. Kids 5 to 11, cadets 12 to 15, and adults. Monthly kids tournaments. One free trial class.
2. Dark Bear Dojo (Victory Boulevard). Mainly a Brazilian jiu-jitsu gym, with a judo program. Free judo trial, no gear needed.

Generation Judo, Sambo, Kickboxing also teaches at 609 Midland Avenue (listed under Brooklyn above).

Prices

Monthly judo memberships

• Marlon Colorado Judo: $150 to $200, plus a one-time $50 enrollment fee
• Kokushi Budo: adults $239 to $299; kids from $199

Trial

• ITC New York: $29 for one week (after the free first class)

Per class

• Drop-in class: Marlon Colorado Judo $40, Kokushi Budo $50
• Day pass: Japanese American Budokan $40
• Mat fee (paid each visit): Oishi Judo Club $35
• Guest rate: Williamsburg MMA $35

On Long Island? See judo in Bethpage, Lindenhurst, Bay Shore and Sayville.

Questions people ask