About East Bay Judo Institute
East Bay Judo Institute is one of the leading schools of judo instruction in the United States. The instructional staff includes many current and former national champions, and members of the institute have participated in events all over the world, including the World Championships and Olympic Games. The institute is an integral part of the lives of many families, providing a positive support system to help individuals grow and overcome challenges both on and off the mat. Instructors, including Sayaka Sensei, have helped students, including children, discover a love for judo and competition, while also teaching them important life lessons of discipline, practice, and hard work. Parents have noted that their children learn values and ethics for everyday life, enhancing their overall development. The institute fosters a strong sense of community, making it a welcoming environment for both children and adults interested in learning judo. Many families appreciate the affordable and extensive class offerings, which allow children to stay physically active and build their confidence. With classes available three times a week, students gain focus and discipline that positively affects their school and other activities. Overall, East Bay Judo Institute is a highly recommended destination for anyone seeking a meaningful and transformative judo experience.
Deep tradition in the highly respected Kodokan, with discipline, manners and traditional Japanese rules. It is a great authentic experience with talented coaches / senseis, especially for younger kids, but there is something to keep in mind.
For higher up belts and teenagers; with their traditional approach I have experienced an old methodology of trying to motivated and make Athletes better by trying to break them down and insult them. I have delivered this feedback and they have ensured to bring this up with the coaches / senseis.
Being a high level Athlete for +20 years and having coached different sports, I have found that the goal should be to build...read full review
EBJI was a second home for me for many years. Both my brother and I trained here, and it continues to feel like family to this day. I earned my black belt at 16 under the guidance of amazing senseis who are still there today—something I’m incredibly proud of.
They taught me discipline, respect, and hard work. Their motto, “building good people through judo,” is something they truly live by, and it helped shape me into the person I am today. Even years later, the lessons I learned there continue to guide me in my everyday life.
More than just a dojo, EBJI is a lifelong community. The friendships and memories I built there are something I’ll...read full review
More than twenty years ago, I had the opportunity to take judo at San Francisco State University under Professor Matsumoto. At a time when my life felt pulled in many directions by school, relationships, and everyday pressures, his class became a place of balance and peace for me. I was truly amazed by the effect judo had on my mind and spirit. It brought a therapeutic calm and a sense of clarity that helped me find my center during a very formative time in my life.
I often wish I had continued training after graduating from SFSU. Life moved on quickly, but the lessons stayed with me. Now, years later, I’ve been given a second chance through my five-year-old...read full review