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Welcome to
Washington Judo Academy
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit Judo / BJJ / Wrestling club with a world-class training program for kids and adults
Convenient Location
We are conveniently located at Houghton Plaza next to the Google Campus and Metropolitan Market in Kirkland, WA.
Our address is: 10600 NE 68th St, Suite D, Kirkland, WA 98033
We serve kids and adults in Kirkland, Bellevue, Redmond, and Seattle areas:
- 5 min from Downtown Kirkland, WA
- 12 min from Downtown Bellevue, WA
- 14 min from Downtown Redmond, WA
- 20 min from Downtown Seattle, WA
Schedule
Programs
Blog

Shintaro Nakano & Hidemasa Tanaka Judo Clinic (August, 2024)

Regional Judo Training Camp with Robert Eriksson Hosted by Washington Judo Academy

Shinjiro Sasaki’s Judo Clinic: Feb 24-25, 2024

Learn from Nick Delpopolo: Sep 28 – Oct 8, 2023

Highlights from 2023 Pan Am U15 and U13 Championships at Lima, Peru

The Benefits of Cross-Training in Judo for BJJ Practitioners
Photos
You know who you are. No more excuses. No more running. Today at 7:30 open mat. ...
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🎬 #1 OFFICIAL TRAILER: Randori: Age of the Ippon
Washington Judo Academy presents
From the creators of “Tatami Wars: Shidos Strike Back” and “Tatami Wars: Return of the Yoko”
🎥 A film by @k_uframe
💥 In a world where every grip counts… only one judoka fights for the ultimate Ippon.
🎟️ Hitting theaters this Spring
🎯 Rated E for Everyone
Starring: The incredible students of Fundamentals and Advanced Judo classes
Stunt Choreography: Washington Judo Academy Coaches
Executive Producer: Karolina (@k_uframe)
Washington Judo Academy extends our deepest thanks to @k_uframe for leading this production. It’s an incredible honor to work with such a talented filmmaker.
A huge shoutout to our cast and stunt performers - your dedication and skill brought this story to life. Special thanks to our coaches for choreographing incredibly realistic grappling scenes that make this film unforgettable.
And finally, thank you to the amazing parents for raising such incredible talent.
🎥 Follow us for more behind-the-scenes footage and exclusive interviews!
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Judo clinic will be held by Japanese Judo Olympian, Sensei Hiroaki Hiraoka (@hiro_hiraoka) on Saturday, March 29th. Please register using the link below.
柔道オリンピアン,平岡先生によるクリニックが3月29日(土)開催されます。
下記のリンクから是非ご登録ください
Registration google form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdS1UFZbpT42F-AAYwmDZKw757A_Z4JU1GI0omUrQa8iWvchQ/viewform?scrlybrkr=55db7d23
Repost from @yoshimi2750
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Join us for the first ever 2025 Washington Open Judo Championships! Sign up early & save!
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#judo #grappling #ippon #judotraining #martialarts #judothrow #competition #tournament #judofamily #kirkland #judoamerica #judoca #judoteam #judovideo #judoworld #judokids #judoka #judolifestyle #bjj #wrestlejudojitsu #sport #olympics #fighter #judotime #washingtonjudoacademy #judoippon #uchimata #americanjudo #champion #winner
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May 31st 2025 Washington Judo’s first ever tournament🏆 WASHINGTON OPEN JUDO CHAMPIONSHIPS 🥋 sign up now!!
Registration open now on smoothcomp!
https://americanjudo.smoothcomp.com/en/event/22548
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#judo #grappling #ippon #judotraining #martialarts #judothrow #competition #tournament #judofamily #kirkland #judoamerica #judoca #judoteam #judovideo #judoworld #judokids #judoka #judolifestyle #bjj #wrestlejudojitsu #sport #olympics #fighter #judotime #washingtonjudoacademy #judoippon #uchimata #americanjudo #champion #winner
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Adult-Only Party Rock at Washington Judo Academy with a DJ and London 2012 Olympic Medalist Sensei Hiroaki Hiraoka (@hiro_hiraoka)! 🎉🔥
Don’t miss our next party! Stay tuned at www.wajudo.com/schedule and watch for special events featuring Sensei Hiroaki Hiraoka 💥🥋
Keep shuffling! 🔥🕺
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This was supposed to be the ending of the previous highlights from Sensei Hiroaki Hiraoka’s (@hiro_hiraoka) Judo workshop that we accidentally cut out during posting 🫣 Enjoy! ❤️ ...
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Highlights from the special Judo workshop with Japanese Judo legend and 2012 Olympic Games medalist, Sensei Hiroaki Hiraoka (@hiro_hiraoka)! That was unforgettable!!! 🥋✨
Don’t miss the special masterclasses and open mats with Sensei Hiraoka every Friday at Washington Judo Academy - book your session now at www.wajudo.com/schedule! 💪🔥
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The lucky ones who got a spot in the special Sunday morning workshop with Japanese Judo legend and 2012 Olympic Games medalist, Sensei Hiroaki Hiraoka (@hiro_hiraoka)! 🥋✨
Don’t miss the special masterclasses and open mats with Sensei Hiraoka every Friday at Washington Judo Academy - book your session now at www.wajudo.com/schedule! 💪🔥
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Post-shiai potluck at WJA 🔥 Work hard, play hard! 💪 ...
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Friday night with London 2012 Olympic medalist, Sensei Hiroaki Hiraoka (@hiro_hiraoka) from Japan! The depth of knowledge he shares is mind-blowing 🥋
Mark your calendar and don’t miss out on this incredible learning opportunity. Join us every Friday at Washington Judo Academy - book your class now at www.wajudo.com/schedule.
Also, this video was made by someone very special, and it’s her first video on our Instagram 😊 Show your supprot with your likes and comments.
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About Us
Mike Hernandez
2023-12-08
I've been visiting a number of martial arts schools for my 4 year old and I can honestly say WA Judo Academy is by far the best one I've seen. The class is fun, interactive, and sneakily teaches intro techniques via the in class play like drills. The instructors are fantastic, professional, and clearly have a ton of experience with kids. There is also lots of extra support via their older students and also encourage parents to participate! Saying this place is special would still be a understatement. Super inviting place glad we found it and that my son loves it too.
Saki Y
2023-12-05
I don’t usually do these, but I will for this group. WJA and it’s Senseis have treated my son with open arms and like family from the first day he started. They always keep it fun for the kids, while also teaching very high level technique. The students (and we as parents) are truly privileged to have Senseis who dedicate their time to teach on a voluntary basis. You know the Senseis truly love what they’re doing and care about their students when they do it voluntarily. And despite being a non-profit, they’ve been able to bring in the best coaches and teachers from around the US and the World to come teach! Sensei Tomoko, Sensei Micah, Sensei David and Sensei Evgeny are especially worthy of praise - they are good coaches and Senseis, but even better and kinder people. We are truly honored to be a part of this school!
Perry Knodle
2023-12-05
Fantastic community and development opportunity for athletes of all ages and skill levels.
Nelson Billing
2023-12-04
I do class here as an adult beginner and my 4 and 7 year olds do classes too. The kids go multiple times per week and I try to also go multiple times per week but lately can only do once.
I personally really like the instruction, the atmosphere, and community at WJA. I find it a very welcoming and serious group. My kids love going to class here as well. I'm a beginner so I can't offer an expert opinion on how quickly they are learning but I can tell that they are definitely learning and developing over time.
The club has frequent events which are both good to get to know the other families involved and good for the kids' development (potlucks, practice competitions, clinics). They have also had many guest instructors in my time there-- several from Japan and some from the US. There are also instructors from other local Judo or BJJ clubs who are friends and come to teach specific things. Lots of judokas from other local clubs come for the Friday night randori at WJA.
Overall I think WJA is ideal for my family and I highly recommend it to both adults and families with kids.
Tianchu Liang
2023-12-04
Great dojo, awesome senseis and fellow judokas. Great place to train!!
Alina Uzhvieva (Goryunova)
2023-12-04
My two kids and I have been attending classes at this dojo for almost a year now, and we couldn’t be happier with our experience. The coaches are highly professional and incredibly friendly and supportive. They support us during training sessions and competitions. Thank you, Washington Judo, for your dedication and commitment to your students, big and small!
Jessica Thompson
2023-12-04
First rate judo practice and instruction! This dojo caters to all skill and belt levels, being beginnering, intermediate, or advanced. All ages welcome (kiddos and adults) and women-friendly! Everyone is incredibly friendly and supportive. If you're looking to get into judo or trying to find a new dojo, this is the place to go 🙂
Tanya C
2023-12-04
My son has been attending the Washington Judo Academy for three months now. The Sensei (Coaches) create a nurturing environment where my kid feels valued and respected. Every time there is a warm and welcoming atmosphere. But the discipline is never compromised. The Sensei are attentive to each student, providing clear instructions, constructive feedback, and personalized guidance. They instill in the children a sense of respect for the sport, their peers, and themselves.
The training itself is rigorous and challenging, but it is always conducted with a sense of fun and enthusiasm. For my son that practices develop a strong foundation in judo techniques while also building physical fitness and endurance.
The Washington Judo Academy is a friendly community that fosters personal growth, discipline, and a love for the sport. I am grateful for the positive impact the academy has had on my son, and I highly recommend it to any parent.
Radion
2023-12-04
I recently joined this judo dojo, and it has been an incredible experience. The instructors are knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely invested in helping students succeed. The atmosphere is welcoming, and I appreciate the focus on both technique and personal growth. It's a fantastic place to learn judo and build a sense of community. Highly recommended!
Kaysen Luong
2023-10-03
Go here 100% you will throw smoothly 10/10 real judo
Google rating score: 5 of 5, based on 42 reviews