I started practicing at Kokushi Budo about three years ago and since then fell in love with judo! Sensei Higashi and everyone else here is very supportive and friendly. You will get chance to practice with some of the best judo players in NY. Nobuyoshi Higashi Sensei has been teaching martial arts for over 50 years.
He's one of the last remaining real deal in martial arts and this place has been (sort of) in secret for many years, since there is really no advertising outside of, located under a Buddhist Temle) This is a family owned Dojo. Old School. No frills, No BS. Sensei's son is an international ranked Judoka.
He's one of the last remaining real deal in martial arts and this place has been (sort of) in secret for many years, since there is really no advertising outside of, located under a Buddhist Temle) This is a family owned Dojo. Old School. No frills, No BS. Sensei's son is an international ranked Judoka.
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The history of our school begins in the Kumamoto region of Japan. Nobuyoshi Higashi, the founder of our martial arts school, was born in a small farming village in 1937. At that time Japan was a war-torn place and Nobuyoshi, being in a military family, spent much of his childhood without his soldier father.
Kokushi Budo Institute is a welcoming community of martial art enthusiasts in NYC. Our members come from diverse backgrounds, but are united to develop healthy minds and bodies, and have fun along the way! Judo, or the "gentle way", is a martial art created by Jigoro Kano in 1882. It's named the "gentle way" because the essence of Judo is to use your opponent's energy against him, without having to exert unnecessary amounts of force.
Our children's Judo program is the heart and soul of the KBI. We are the oldest judo school in NYC. Our lineage in this art traces directly to the founder, Kano Sensei. While we've produced National Champions, World Team Members, and Olympians throughout the history of our school, we are most proud of the countless boys and girls who have taken the principles of our school to all areas of their lives.
Judo, or the "gentle way, " is a martial art created by Jigoro Kano in 1882. It's named the "gentle way" because the essence of Judo is to use your opponent's energy against him, without having to exert unnecessary amounts of force. This fundamental principle of Judo is "maximum efficiency." Unlike striking arts such as Karate, Tae Kwon Do, and Muay Thai, Judo focuses on a closer range of fighting.
Jiu jitsu (or traditionally, Jujutsu) was developed by Japanese samurai in feudal Japan. It was created as a method for defeating an armed or armored opponent with no weapons or a short weapon. The techniques consist of various joint locks, throws, and pins, and are based off of the principle of using your opponent's energy against them, rather than directly opposing it.
Reviews (14)
Kevin Mohamed
Jan 11, 2020
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I have Been training at Kokushi Budo for over 4 years now and I absolutely love it. World class instructor like Shintaro Higashi, I went from not having any martial arts experience to being a competitor in all local tournaments in New York and New Jersey. Would highly recommend for anyone looking for a great judo school for Kids and Adults!
Isadora Friedlander
Jul 03, 2019
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Martin Granger
Aug 18, 2018
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Michael K.
May 15, 2017
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Tucked away on 331 Riverside Dr, New York, NY 10025 between 105th and 106th street lies a hidden gem of New York martial arts: Kokushi Budo Institute - established over 50 years ago, long before the recent burst of MMA in recent years.
Founded by Professor Nobuyoshi Higashi, a 9th dan red belt, Higashi-san developed one of the premier judo academies in the country over the decades. Today, the academy is now overseen by Higashi-san's son, Shintaro Higashi - 6th degree red/white belt, and a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
The top names in judo, BJJ, and MMA consistently come through
Founded by Professor Nobuyoshi Higashi, a 9th dan red belt, Higashi-san developed one of the premier judo academies in the country over the decades. Today, the academy is now overseen by Higashi-san's son, Shintaro Higashi - 6th degree red/white belt, and a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
The top names in judo, BJJ, and MMA consistently come through
Sogyel L.
Jul 29, 2016
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Circa fall/winter 2015, I was immersed in the (painfully all-consuming) process of applying to business school. While procrastinating during late night essay-writing sessions, I'd crawl through Yelp searching for martial arts schools and fantasize about signing up for something new.
Growing up, I'd practiced Tae Kwon Do and Karate but never ventured outside of "striking" martial arts into the "grappling" arts. Rather than picking up where I'd left off, I wanted to learn something as an adult that was completely physically foreign to me.
Fast-forward to spring
Growing up, I'd practiced Tae Kwon Do and Karate but never ventured outside of "striking" martial arts into the "grappling" arts. Rather than picking up where I'd left off, I wanted to learn something as an adult that was completely physically foreign to me.
Fast-forward to spring
Roman M.
Jun 09, 2016
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Edie U.
Jan 31, 2015
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I started going to KBI about two years ago. I was looking for a place I could practice judo and be comfortable doing it, which can get tricky for any female in a male dominated sport. I tried out everyplace that offered judo in the city and wasn't happy. Almost giving up on finding the perfect dojo, I decided to pop into Kokushi Budo. It was an incredible first day and every day since has only gotten better.
They were so welcoming. I was greeted by Sensei Andy who showed me the ropes and made sure I felt welcome and comfortable. He answered all of my questions and really helped me connect
They were so welcoming. I was greeted by Sensei Andy who showed me the ropes and made sure I felt welcome and comfortable. He answered all of my questions and really helped me connect
Erika Barker
Dec 08, 2014
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One of the best martial arts experiences one could have. The Sensei has a Masters in Education, and is an amazing teacher. There are many high-level black, and brown belt competitors who constantly work one-on-one with students. Do yourself a favor and stop on by for a free class. You will have a lot of fun, and get an amazing workout; I promise!
Kt D.
Jun 28, 2014
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I was interested in judo and so i searched for a school in manhattan. I visited many martial arts schools in nyc. And let me say that I am glad I did my research. The judo program was incredible. However i decided after a trial class that aikido or jujutsu was more of my speed. So I joined up and have been a member since. The instructor (shintaro and his father) is really professional, kind and knows their stuff! I highly recommend the school for anyone living in new york city looking for authentic martial arts instruction.
Edie Marie Weber
Jun 17, 2014
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Evan V.
Apr 22, 2014
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Danny G.
Oct 08, 2013
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Kokushi Budo Institute is THE place to train Judo in the city. Forget all the other Judo clubs, this is the place you want to go to. Shintaro Higashi is the main instructor there, and you are getting your money's worth training under this World Champion and Olympic level athlete.
Facility is clean, location is accessible, and every person there is super nice and welcoming. Do not hesitate to check this place out. You will not regret it.
Facility is clean, location is accessible, and every person there is super nice and welcoming. Do not hesitate to check this place out. You will not regret it.
Karl P.
Oct 08, 2013
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Nobuyoshi Higashi Sensei has been teaching martial arts for over 50 years. He's one of the last remaining real deal in martial arts and this place has been (sort of) in secret for many years, since there is really no advertising outside of, "located under a Buddhist Temle)
This is a family owned Dojo. Old School. No frills, No BS. Sensei's son is an international ranked Judoka.
I had a trial training session here which was very meditative, challenging and exhausting. Throws upon throws upon throws. Be prepared to get exhausted but learn culture, respect-- Budo. Practical
This is a family owned Dojo. Old School. No frills, No BS. Sensei's son is an international ranked Judoka.
I had a trial training session here which was very meditative, challenging and exhausting. Throws upon throws upon throws. Be prepared to get exhausted but learn culture, respect-- Budo. Practical
Diana G.
Jun 28, 2007
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I've been studying here for over 11 years, and training in Kokushi-ryu jujutsu for over 16, so I'm completely biased, but this really is a wonderful dojo.
The teacher, Nobuyoshi Higashi, teaches judo, jujutsu, aikido and karate, with students ranging from 5 to 60+. An indication of the quality? His son just won the national championship for judo.
It's no frills--and totally no attitude!--traditional Japanese martial arts, for all levels and abilities, and really fun.
Plus it's in the basement of a Buddhist temple, there's a "radioactive" (i.e. from Nagasaki
The teacher, Nobuyoshi Higashi, teaches judo, jujutsu, aikido and karate, with students ranging from 5 to 60+. An indication of the quality? His son just won the national championship for judo.
It's no frills--and totally no attitude!--traditional Japanese martial arts, for all levels and abilities, and really fun.
Plus it's in the basement of a Buddhist temple, there's a "radioactive" (i.e. from Nagasaki
