San Gabriel Judo Dojo

San Gabriel Judo Dojo is located at 5019 Encinita Ave, Temple City, CA 91780, United States of America.

San Gabriel Judo Dojo has been a cornerstone of the Temple City community since 1929, fostering discipline, confidence, and athletic excellence through the art of judo.

The club traces its origins to Setsuzo Ota, who, along with a group of Issei pioneers, began forming the judo club in the El Monte area in 1923 before establishing roots in Temple City.

This deep historical foundation makes it one of the longest-standing judo institutions in the United States.

Generations of judoka have trained under its guidance, building a legacy rooted in tradition and resilience.

The dojo operates out of the San Gabriel Japanese Community Center, a cultural and physical hub that supports both martial arts training and community engagement.

As a member of USA Judo and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, the club adheres to high ethical and competitive standards, ensuring a safe and structured environment for all participants.

These affiliations underscore its commitment to national and international judo principles, including anti-doping policies and codes of conduct.

Training is led by experienced instructors, including Taizo Sasaki, a 3rd Dan and Co-Head Coach recognized by USA Judo as a Continental Coach.

He shares leadership with Aaron Kunihiro, a 4th Dan and also a Co-Head Coach, who holds the distinction of being a USA Judo National Coach. Richie Endow, another 4th Dan instructor, serves as Head Sensei and brings additional expertise as a USA Judo International Coach and IJF Continental Referee.

Their combined experience shapes a robust coaching framework that supports both recreational and competitive pathways.

The club offers Judo practice sessions throughout the week, with structured training times on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

These sessions cater to various skill levels and include specialized programming, some of which requires approval or appointment.

This flexible structure allows members to progress at their own pace while engaging in a disciplined learning environment.

The program emphasizes not only technical mastery but also personal development, serving youth and adults alike within the Temple City area.