Parents wonder why they should pay good money for a martial arts program? Besides the obvious self-defense skills martial arts teach, the most important reason to invest in a martial arts program is because an awesome program like ours at Judo America can cure many of issues that plague today's "entitlement" and "entertainment" generation.
This is what your investment. There are many reasons Judo America is San Diego's Premier Training Center. We've been serving San Diego since 1972 under the longest active coach in the county. Our Director of Coaching is USJA Master Coach Gerald Lafon, 7th degree black belt. He's an internationally recognized coach and blogger who believes in innovative, unorthodox and modern coaching methods.
This is what your investment. There are many reasons Judo America is San Diego's Premier Training Center. We've been serving San Diego since 1972 under the longest active coach in the county. Our Director of Coaching is USJA Master Coach Gerald Lafon, 7th degree black belt. He's an internationally recognized coach and blogger who believes in innovative, unorthodox and modern coaching methods.
Services
Judo America San Diego is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. With each growth spurt, the club renamed itself: first to Byakko Judo Club in 1974, then Byakko Judo Institute upon becoming a non-profit corporation in 1982, followed by San Diego Judo Inc. in 1990 before finally settling on Judo America San Diego in 1995.
When Jigoro Kano founded Judo in 1882, he set as goals of Judo training the following three categories: physical education, self-defense training, and moral development. At Judo America, we pride ourselves on developing not only physical, mental and self-defense skills in our students, but also leadership skills that will empower them at school and at work.
We're excited that you've decided to come and visit us. Here's some information to make your first visit enjoyable whether you're just checking us out, coming for your free lesson, or you're ready to get started immediately. Just want to sit and watch on your first visit? No problem. Feel free to show up during any of our classes.
Although we accept children as young as four or five on a case by case basis, a better starting age may be 6 or 7 for some children. The starting age will depend on a child's maturity level, attention span, interest, and sports background. That really depends on how old you think you are, and what kind of physical and medical condition you're in.
Judo uses a system of colored belts to acknowledge and reward technical proficiency. Judo America has devised a comprehensive, rigorous promotion syllabus for both junior (under 17 years old) and senior participants that presents competition effective Judo skills in a progressive manner. Promotions are strictly based on merit, and are directly affected by attendance, effort level during class and tournament participation.
Reviews (17)
Dana R.
Aug 05, 2021
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Joyce C.
Jan 28, 2021
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One day my husband came home and told me that the judo class he signed up for my son has kids that are "the type I want my kids be friends with", and that got me to go there and see for myself.
Every kid came from all backgrounds and diversity, from different ages will come in with their uniform, bow once they go on the mat, and take turns practicing with their partners. They're the most respectful 5-6 year olds, teenagers, and young adults I've seen.
We've only been there since September, but our son has grown and matured. He demonstrates their philosophy: courage
Every kid came from all backgrounds and diversity, from different ages will come in with their uniform, bow once they go on the mat, and take turns practicing with their partners. They're the most respectful 5-6 year olds, teenagers, and young adults I've seen.
We've only been there since September, but our son has grown and matured. He demonstrates their philosophy: courage
Stephanie Y.
Apr 22, 2020
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Won't be taking my son back. Before coming, I spoke with the owner telling him that my 4 year old son had no experience or real athleticism. The owner said this would be a great way to teach him discipline (which is ironic because he then proceeded to tell us to be there by 5:15 and they did not a show up until 5:25). This free trial class was completely disorganized and chaotic. They had my son practice sparring with another kid on his very first day (likely because they didn't have any lessons planned) and my son got flipped over 8 times, one time not even on the mat because they werent
Lien Pham
Sep 25, 2019
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I have trained with Coach Lafon and it is has been a blessing in my life to have him and people at his dojo in my life. His commitment to each one of players and the dojo is compared to none. Coach Lafon trained his players beyond Judo, he gives each one of dojo members tool to become a better person.
Harry Harafias
Aug 31, 2019
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Malia P.
May 11, 2019
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I've been coming here on and off for a little over four years now. I took a break last year when my daughter had a knee injury from flipping over a scooter. Since February we've been coming back consistently training 2-4 times a week. I'm always trying to keep in shape and trying to lose weight. I failed. In the last 14 weeks I gained 6 lbs as I was eating more.Through the muscle gained and fat lost, I lost a pant size! Today I am a size 0 (banana republic). Never thought that was possible.
Noel L.
Apr 26, 2019
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Great place to train for kids and adults. Judo is possibly the only martial arts in America suitable for both boys and girls. It helps to build self esteem, discipline, and self defense skills against real, live opponents. It's not like some other "karate" classes that have you punch and kick the air all day.
The coaches are very knowledgeable and friendly. They teach effective, applicable techniques that work against resisting opponents rather than empty form or katas.
In short, I can't recommend this place enough. If you're in doubt, just sign up for the 3 classes
The coaches are very knowledgeable and friendly. They teach effective, applicable techniques that work against resisting opponents rather than empty form or katas.
In short, I can't recommend this place enough. If you're in doubt, just sign up for the 3 classes
Olivia C.
Mar 02, 2019
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We discovered Judo America when trying to find an activity to help our son with his sensory processing sensitivities. Through occupational therapy, we discovered that our son benefits significantly from joint compressions to the shoulders and elbows. Then we found Judo which by its nature provides joint compressions throughout a participant's body, especially in the shoulders and elbows. Judo has been life changing for our son. Two months after starting Judo, our son was released from occupational therapy. We noticed that as long as our son participates in Judo regularly and we are mindful
Hamed T.
May 13, 2017
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I practiced judo in Judo America for about a year and a half, and received my black belt recently (I was a first-degree brown belt when I joined). If you want to learn real judo and make good friends, Judo America is the right place for you. Coach Lafon, coach Fred, coach Paul, coach Jose, coach Alex and numerous black belts at this club teach you the very best of practical Judo in a friendly environment.
Judo America style is practical judo that really works. The techniques are taught with emphasis on what really works in a tournament or real contact situation, with lots of subtle details that
Judo America style is practical judo that really works. The techniques are taught with emphasis on what really works in a tournament or real contact situation, with lots of subtle details that
Philip H.
Oct 30, 2016
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Most of the reviews probably emphasize the family support that Judo America provides. I'm middle age and don't have kids, but I have been very impressed with what I've seen this club do for children; very patient, lots of attention...
I'm writing for what this club has done for a middle ager trying to get back into the sport after a 30 yr absence. The club is essentially staging my return process. I can see the coaches talk among themselves and other judokas to help guide my return. They know the sequence of challenges that I will be facing in conditioning, strength, flexibility
I'm writing for what this club has done for a middle ager trying to get back into the sport after a 30 yr absence. The club is essentially staging my return process. I can see the coaches talk among themselves and other judokas to help guide my return. They know the sequence of challenges that I will be facing in conditioning, strength, flexibility
Eddie H.
Oct 01, 2015
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I have two boys, age 5 and 7, that I wanted to enroll in martial arts. I didn't want them to learn to punch or kick, which is emphasized in karate and taekwondo, or perform locks and chokes, which is taught in jujitsu. That led us to judo, also known as the "gentle way". I was awed by the throws that seem to be executed with minimal effort.
Coach Lafon is an excellent coach because he teaches the kids techniques with drills that are fun and engaging. The kids have so much fun that they don't realize they are mastering important judo skills. Coach also incorporates life values
Coach Lafon is an excellent coach because he teaches the kids techniques with drills that are fun and engaging. The kids have so much fun that they don't realize they are mastering important judo skills. Coach also incorporates life values
Ln H.
May 06, 2015
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Judo America is practically an establishment in San Diego's judo community by now. I got to know coach Lafon as soon as I moved to San Diego and continued to practice judo as a yellow belt then. He has seen my growth as a recreational judo player at the club level to an international competitor. Although I was at another club at the time due to the distance, he had encouraging words for my judo potential. Something that I will always remember is how he paid a lot of attention to a player's turn-out ability when trying to not be thrown.
While I began judo to learn close-grappling self
While I began judo to learn close-grappling self
Raphael D.
Apr 24, 2015
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I came to Judo America when I was a freshman in college but due to unforeseen circumstances, I had to quit. Fast forward 15+ years later, I came back but this time with my 5 year-old son. Judo America, has been teaching real and not watered down judo for over 40 years! Coach Gerry is a great educator and really knows how to develop talent and instill confidence in the kids. Almost 5 years and counting, we are still with our Judo America family.
Karl S.
Apr 17, 2015
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If you're looking for traditional Judo as I was, and that's taught in a vibrant club with fantastic coaches that have broad experience and deep expertise, you've found your club. Some move to San Diego just to take advantage of the high caliber coaching found here at Judo America. I highly recommend taking advantage of Coach Jerry and this club if you live in San Diego. Come for a workout if visiting.
My two boys (7 and 5) and I practice regularly at this club, usually about 3 times a week since Fall of 2014. We joined after moving to San Diego from Seattle. My boys and I are
My two boys (7 and 5) and I practice regularly at this club, usually about 3 times a week since Fall of 2014. We joined after moving to San Diego from Seattle. My boys and I are
Bruce L.
Jun 05, 2014
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My family has been learning judo here with Coach Lafon since 2008. The facilities are top notch and so is the instruction. My children, nieces, and a nephew, have all been under Lafon's instruction and have benefited greatly. He has a different way of teaching Judo and it has proven itself very effective.
Marlo P.
Feb 20, 2012
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My son is in the kids class here at Judo America. If you truly want to learn this great art this is the place. Lafon is a fantastic coach. His passion for Judo really shows in his training. He will work with you to make sure you understand and execute the technique properly. I appreciate such dedication.
I drive all the way from Encinitas to train with Lafon (6th Dan) because he is the best Judo coach around!
I highly recommend learning Judo here!
I drive all the way from Encinitas to train with Lafon (6th Dan) because he is the best Judo coach around!
I highly recommend learning Judo here!
Lien Duyen P.
Sep 27, 2011
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I am a really small person. I have always thought that I wasn't made for martial arts, but when I met Coach Lafon he challenged me to learn the art. He pushes everyone whether they are advanced or beginner, big or small, guys or gals. All the coaches there are helpful and knowledgeable. Us girls have more fun though.
