Deleon Judo Club

Deleon Judo Club is located at 150 Fairgrounds Dr, Petaluma, CA 94952, United States of America. Deleon Judo Club has served the Petaluma community since its founding in 1970 by Jim Santiago Deleon.

The club operates under the guidance of experienced instructors and maintains affiliations with major national organizations, including USJA, USJF, and USA Judo.

This strong foundation supports a structured, safe, and progressive environment for judo training.

Training takes place at the Kenilworth Teen Center, a dedicated space that fosters youth and adult development through martial arts.

The club welcomes participants aged 6 and up, offering programs that cater to beginners and experienced judoka alike.

Weekly sessions include Tuesday and Thursday evening classes from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm, open to all members.

Experienced students have an additional opportunity to train on Monday evenings from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm.

These sessions focus on advanced techniques, competition preparation, and deeper technical refinement.

The consistent schedule supports steady progression and long-term engagement in the sport. Sensei Henry Kaku, the Head Instructor, leads the program with over 50 years of judo experience and more than 25 years of teaching.

He holds the rank of Godan, 5th Dan, and earned his black belt through Kodokan Judo, the world’s premier judo institution.

His leadership emphasizes discipline, respect, and technical excellence.

Assisting him is Sensei Davin Tillman, the Assistant Head Instructor, who holds the rank of Yondan, 4th Dan.

Together, they create a supportive and rigorous training atmosphere that promotes personal growth and athletic development.

Their combined expertise ensures high-quality instruction across all levels.

The club emphasizes both recreational and competitive pathways, allowing members to pursue personal goals at their own pace.

Regular grading opportunities help judoka advance through the belt system, building confidence and mastery over time.

Deleon Judo Club remains a cornerstone of the local martial arts community, rooted in tradition and committed to lifelong learning.