2072 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95050, USA
The reputable Nakano Judo Academy staff offers years of elite level competition and coaching experience in Judo, Japanese Martial Arts, in Santa Clara, CA.
Beginner here, & female! I joined the academy approximately 1.5 months ago and can say it’s one of the best spots in the Bay to learn self-defense and judo; I’ve already learnt 10+ different ways to counter an attack from a larger/stronger opponent. Not only is Nakano Sensei extremely experienced + detail-oriented, he’s also quick to grasp when/why a student is having trouble learning something in particular, subsequently reiterating his lesson in a kind manner. Additionally, students of all shapes and sizes train at this dojo. This has made it a great place to practice my moves and ensure that I am ready for nearly any challenger. Everyone here is very friendly, respectful, supportive, and growth-oriented! Would & have recommended Nakano Judo to all who are interested :)
Posted 1 year ago
If you’re in the area (Palo Alto to San Jose for sure), definitely try training at Nakano Sensei‘s club. Such a well run and welcoming club. His students were highly technical and great for training and randori. I highly recommend Nakano Judo Academy!
Posted 1 year ago
Nakano Judo Academy is truly one of a kind. It strikes the perfect balance between professionalism and a family-oriented atmosphere, making it welcoming and incredibly fun for both kids and parents. When we were searching for a judo academy, we wanted a place where I could take lessons alongside my daughter, who was just 3 years old at the time. Many dojos had a strict age requirement of 5, but Sensei Shintaro took the time to observe my daughter in the all-ages class on a Saturday. He recognized her ability to listen and follow along, which encouraged us to join Nakano Judo in 2023—and we’ve been here ever since! What sets Nakano Judo apart are the fantastic events Shintaro organizes for the students, from Halloween parties and swimming outings to exciting trips to Hawaii and Japan. It’s truly inspiring to watch the kids grow in confidence over the years and even compete in the Junior Olympics. Bottom line: if you’re looking for a sport for your daughter or son, there’s no better place than Nakano Judo Academy!
Posted 1 year ago
Nakano Judo Academy is an excellent dojo for Judokas at all levels. Nakano Sensei allows everyone to go at their own pace for the martial art depending on their goals, whether for self-defense, as a hobby, or for Judokas that want to compete. There are also different types of classes that work on technique for beginners and competition classes with a high amount of drilling and sparring for competitors. Nakano Sensei himself is highly knowledgeable and explains techniques and competition strategies very well. He is also very patient and kind, and in the five months I have trained here, I never felt afraid to ask him about a specific technique I would be working on in or after class. There are also 30 minutes of open mat time after class, which gives you more time to ask questions to Sensei, work on a specific throw or sweep, or go sparring with other Judokas. There is also a wide variety of Judoka at different levels, and you are encouraged to ask higher belts questions and even go sparring with them, in the competition classes, without being looked down upon. I highly recommend this dojo for anyone wanting to try Judo for the first time or is an experienced Judoka :)
Posted 2 years ago
I'm absolutely thrilled with Nakano Judo Academy! My 6-year-old and 4-year-old have been attending classes for a few months only, and the transformation is remarkable! Their motor skills have improved significantly, and they've made wonderful new friends along the way. But what's most impressive is how eagerly they anticipate each judo session - it's become the highlight of their week! Highly recommend Nakano Judo Academy!
Posted 1 year ago
