Hollywood Judo Dojo
About
Hollywood Judo Dojo offers comprehensive training in judo and MMA disciplines with a coaching staff led by two Rokudan (6th degree black belt) instructors, Philippe Morotti and Brian Herskowitz. The dojo provides classes for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners, with specialized instruction for youth and adults. Members appreciate the reasonable monthly fee of $40-$50, which includes access to multiple weekly classes, floating floors, soft mats, showers, ample parking, and workout equipment at the Japanese Cultural Center location.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the knowledgeable and encouraging instructors, particularly noting head instructor Sensei Philippe Morotti's competitive background and teaching excellence. They highlight the welcoming, family-like atmosphere that supports both recreational and competitive judoka across all age groups. Reviewers specifically mention the exceptional value with affordable monthly fees, multiple weekly classes, and excellent facilities including showers and ample parking. Many note the dojo's comfort for women in full-contact training and the international diversity of members.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Anthony L
2 years ago
One of the best Judo clubs in the U.S. Caters to both competitive and recreational judoka. Non-profit club that charges a reasonable price for many classes throughout the week. There's floating floors, soft mats, showers, ample parking and workout equipment.
Peter Banachowski
2 years ago
The head instructor Sensei Philippe is a Swedish and Scandinavian Champion and former Member of Swedish National Team. He and the other instructors are all very knowledgeable and love the sport of Judo. And for the ambitious, you could be training 2-4 times a week. At $50 a month, there's no comprable deal like this. Most other dojos in the area don't even have a beginners class for adults, they just toss you to the black belts. I recommend this place to anyone looking to stay fit and learn practicle self defense. You're never too old to learn. I started in my 30s and have been training here for years.
Felix Lahaye
4 months ago
It is an absolute joy to study and practice judo at Hollywood Judo Dojo. The team is extremely passionate and knowledgeable. There are classes several times a day for all levels, and a wide range of senseis with different styles and specialties. Highly recommend
Mubina Negmatova
a year ago
Hollywood Judo Dojo is hands down the best place for judo classes for all ages! My son has been attending for over two years now, and he absolutely loves it. The senseis are incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and skilled at teaching both kids and adults. They know how to adjust their teaching style for different age groups, making sure every student—whether a young beginner or an experienced adult—feels challenged and supported. My husband also used to attend adult classes here, and he had an amazing experience. The training is a great workout, but more than that, it teaches discipline, technique, and respect—the core values of judo. The senseis and fellow students create a welcoming and encouraging atmosphere, making it a great place to train no matter your skill level. One of the things we love most about Hollywood Judo Dojo is the sense of community. It truly feels like a family. We get to celebrate holidays together, which makes it even more special. The dojo isn’t just a place to learn judo—it’s a place where friendships grow, and everyone supports each other both on and off the mat. I can’t wait for my daughter to turn 5 so she can join too! Seeing how much my son has learned and grown here, I know she will have an amazing experience as well. If you’re looking for high-quality judo instruction in a friendly, family-like environment, Hollywood Judo Dojo is the perfect place!
Amanda Whiddon Sullivan
11 years ago
I've been at Hollywood Judo for about six months now, and joining is the best decision I've made in a long time. Judo is a terrific workout and stress reliever that also helps you develop self-discipline. This dojo combines these qualities of judo with a great atmosphere. The instructors are all top notch and some of the nicest and most encouraging people you'll ever meet. The beginners class is will challenge you to improve while still letting you go at your own pace. The members are friendly and supportive, coming from all different backgrounds. it's a very international kind of place with members from five continents. There are people who have been doing judo all their lives, and people who started their first martial art at 25, like me. The facilities are clean, kept, and include a workout area off the mat. There is free and plentiful parking in the lot of the Japanese Cultural Center where the dojo is located. The membership fees are almost unbelievably reasonable ($40/month, plus $50/year for USJF membership and $20 donation to the Cultural Center). Best of all, for me at least, is that Hollywood Judo is a very comfortable place to be if you're a woman. Judo is a full contact sport, but it's never awkward here. Everyone is respectful, yet you don't feel like you're being treated differently because you're a woman, which is a rare balance to find. I cannot recommend this place highly enough.
Contact
3929 Middlebury St, Los Angeles, CA 90004, USA
groupCoaches & Instructors
Philippe Morotti
Head Instructor
Rokudan (6th degree black belt)
Runs the advanced class, geared towards competitors and advanced study of Judo.
Brian Herskowitz
Instructor Advanced, USA Judo Referee
Rokudan (6th degree black belt)
Juan Rodriguez
Instructor Intermediate, Social Media
Yodan (4th degree black belt)
Helps students achieve their goals in the intermediate class.
Anthony Lau
Instructor Intermediate, Adults and Youth
Nidan (2nd degree black belt)
Runs an excellent beginner program.
Erik Saari
Instructor Beginners
Shodan (1st degree black belt)
Matthew Lee
Assistant Instructor Intermediate
Nidan (2nd degree black belt)
Tim Kang
Assistant Instructor Intermediate
Nidan (2nd degree black belt)
Matthew Oquendo
Assistant Instructor Intermediate
Shodan (1st degree black belt)
Ramiro Pare
Assistant Instructor Intermediate
Nidan (2nd degree black belt)
Erick Rivera Ramirez
Assistant Instructor Beginners
Ikkyu (1st degree brown belt)
Richard Contreras
Assistant Instructor Beginners
Ikkyu (1st degree brown belt)
Carolyn Alvarado
Assistant Instructor Youths
Nikyu (2nd degree brown belt)