San Francisco Judo Institute

Really, it’s about time I wrote a review for this place since I’ve gone here regularly for over a year now!
SFJI is the place to go if you’re interested in learning traditional kodokan judo. What’s the difference? With the rise in popularity of MMA, many places have popped up to focus primarily on competition-​based judo. While that’s not a bad thing, it’s great to have a dojo that teaches the original style of judo. You learn all the Japanese names of throws and techniques and the reasoning behind each thing that is done in judo, from typical things like throws to simple things like the order of how one gets up from a sitting position. Sounds silly, but really great history/​culture lessons! That’s not to say that SFJI is stuck in the past though – their black belt instructors often offer students insight into variations of traditional moves that translate well into modern day competition judo. In fact, a handful of instructors still compete in judo competitions. Depending on what you’re looking for, you can decide to train just to learn the sport of judo or train to duke it out and test your skills at judo competitions.
Whether you’re brand new to the sport or an experienced judoka coming back after a hiatus, this dojo is incredibly accommodating to all skill levels and all ages. I’ve been training here for over a year now, and I’ve improved so much in my practice in my one year here than all my fragmented, on-​and-​off years of practice in college. One last giant plus – while most places charge upwards of $ 150 or so monthly, SFJI charges only $ 80 for membership because all of their instructors are volunteers that want to spread the love of judo.
In short? Fantastic club with great instructors that will help you build a wide set of skills to get you into amazing shape (my shoulders look amazing!) and develop a love for the sport of judo.

Great judo club! All instructors are knowledgeable and experienced.

Great place to train. Actually it is probably the only place to train Judo (not bjj with Judo elements, but actually legit Judo) within a several mile radius. The mat space is smaller than a big gym but enough for the attendance. There are about 7 – 20 attendants each practice. The skill ranges from beginner to amazing black belt. My mind was blown by the head instructor’s favorite foot sweep which he did to me in sparring. A good Judo master should always blow your mind at least once during sparring, and that he did.
A lot of people speak French here. Funny story: I was sparring with this French guy and the French girl was giving him advice in French. I understood when she said «Scissors sweep to the left!» So I stuffed the attempt, passed guard, and achieved a dominant position. At that point I wanted to say something epic like «pas de scissors a la gauche pour toi» or «je comprends francais!» But alas, I was too shy. Oh, me.

Been training there for a year — on and off — and really appreciate the teaching at SFJI. Very good dojo with incredibly dedicated and sharing Sensei.
Friday evenings are usually more dedicated to randoris (judo fights), so judokas from other dojos are coming that day for the intense training.
Highly recommended.

Had my second class last night and having a blast even though i’m getting thrown around like a rag doll. Please note that i have 17 ½ years of martial arts experience with another art, so I sorta understand the premise and hoping to easily adapt. I’m training one on one with an elderly Japanese black belt named Toshi, and the guy is quite amazing with the wealth of knowledge he has shared so far. Clearly you focus on falling and rolls first, then very basic fundamentals that is essential with this art/​sport. I really hope that my body holds up to continue this long term (I’m a fit 48 year old), and have this as a part of my life.

5 stars, everything is near perfect, what else can I say. Will go there again soon…