Griffin Judo

Griffin Judo in El Cerrito, CA is an exceptional dojo for all ages and skill levels. The sensei are highly talented, with national and international competition experience, and they bring incredible passion and expertise to each class. They truly care about each student’s progress, whether you're a beginner or an aspiring competitor. The kids' program is outstanding! My grand son has thrived in this supportive, inclusive and fun environment, learning discipline, respect, and technique. The coaches are patient and encouraging, and the kids build strong friendships while training. Griffin Judo also excels at producing top-level competitors. The training is rigorous, and the atmosphere is motivating for anyone aiming for national or international success. Above all, the community here is wonderful—friendly, supportive, and like family. If you're looking for a top-notch judo dojo, Griffin Judo is the place to be! Highly recommend!

This is a really good dojo. They're great with both children and adults. Cody sensei is especially kind and attentive, and he fosters a very comfortable and fun environment for everyone to practice, but all the senseis are excellent, really. I went there to try just one class, after my kid insisted, and it's been over eight months now! (Judo is surprisingly fun!)

I met the members of the Griffin Judo in Tenri, a city in Nara Prefecture, Japan. Tenri is a place where you can learn traditional judo, and they had training with the dedication of samurai. In between rigorous training sessions, I was able to accompany them on sightseeing trips and out to lunch, experiencing their passion for judo and their kind personalities. I had a wonderful time. I realized that Griffin Judo is a place where you can learn not only judo skills, but also teamwork, manners, and spiritual richness. If I ever get the chance, I would definitely like to visit. I would like to also do whatever I can to help ensure that the judo camp in Tenri continues in the future. This is to express my gratitude for the wonderful memories and kindness they have given me. I look forward to seeing them again!!

Great Judo program for kids. We found Griffin through El Cerrito city program and it’s been a great experience for our 2 boys (ages 5 and 8). The instructors are great, have a lot of patience for the kids, and make classes fun. The family that runs GP Judo are fantastic and definitely make you feel like a valued member. Highly recommend this place.

All the senseis here are amazing! I’m so grateful to have found this place. At first, I wanted my son to try a different martial art, but Griffin Judo has exceeded all my expectations. He went from crying before class to actually looking forward to training and even participating in tournaments! The instructors are not only skilled and passionate, but they also know how to connect with kids. They make the kids laugh, feel confident, and believe in themselves. I highly recommend it!