DBT Judo Dojo @ The Denver Buddhist Temple
About
DBT Judo Dojo at The Denver Buddhist Temple offers instruction in MMA, judo, and karate within a community-focused environment. The dojo features a diverse coaching team with extensive experience, including head sensei Brian Levitt (4th degree black belt), Jentry Kendall (5th degree black belt and International Judo Referee), and Tom Tabuchi (4th degree black belt). With assistant instructors like Lauren Fukuhara and Dr. John Campana, the gym provides structured training for all skill levels in a clean, well-maintained facility with quality mats.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the dojo's deep tradition and rich history, noting it's Denver's oldest judo club with direct lineage to judo's founder. They describe excellent judo instruction, clean mats, and a great workout at a very fair price. Reviewers highlight the welcoming atmosphere for all ages and the community aspect of training alongside the Buddhist Temple and Japanese community. Specific compliments include the legitimate judo instruction, supportive group of friends, and the opportunity to both learn martial arts and give back to the community.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (2)
John Stathas
7 years ago
Excellent dojo. Deep tradition and rich history.
A
3 years ago
This is the oldest Judo club in Denver, first started in 1953 by blacks belts with direct ties to Judo's founder. Great lineage! Today, the club partners as a charity alongside the Buddhist Temple and the Colorado Japanese community. This is a great place to learn Judo and give back to the community! It's a great workout, clean mats, great group of friends and legit Judo instruction, very fair price! Kids, adults, all ages and everyone is welcome!
groupCoaches & Instructors
Lauren Fukuhara
Assistant Instructor
Dr. John Campana
Assistant Instructor
Arnold Boryseiwicz
Assistant Instructor
Danny Fujii
Instructor
1st degree black belt (Shodan)
Started judo in 1985. Trained at Denver School of Judo before merger. Comes from a long line of jujitsu and judo practitioners.
Earl Fukuhara
Instructor
Black Belt
Started judo at age six at Denver Judo Dojo, earned black belt at 16. Won three Junior National Championships. Trained directly from founders of DBTJ.
Salah Akli
Instructor
Brian Levitt
Head Sensei (former)
4th degree black belt (Yodan)
Fourth degree blackbelt, head sensei of DBTJ for over 18 years. Trained directly from the three founders of DBTJ.
Kelly Tamura
Instructor
Tom Tabuchi
Instructor
4th degree black belt (Yondan)
Over sixty years in judo. Has trained national champions and black belts. Excels in individual instruction.
Jentry Kendall
Instructor
5th degree black belt (Godan), Meiyo Shihan (Honored Advisor), International Judo Referee
Fifth degree black belt, qualified international judo referee. Former head sensei of North Jeffco Judo Club.
Jerry Borysiewicz
Assistant Instructor
1st degree black belt (Shodan)
Started judo in Poland in the 1970s. Joined DBTJ in 2001.
Conrad Kanda
Assistant Instructor