Honolulu Judo Club
About
The Honolulu Judo Club offers comprehensive training in both judo and mixed martial arts, with classes available seven days a week for all skill levels and ages. The gym features authentic tatami mats and a diverse coaching staff led by Olympic silver medalist and 8th degree black belt Kevin Asano, who serves as Head Judo Instructor and Executive Director. Other experienced instructors include 4th degree black belts Gina Sullivan and Louie Hung, who head competition and fundamentals programs respectively, along with specialized coaches for adaptive judo and fitness classes.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently describe the gym as super welcoming and friendly, with multiple reviewers specifically noting the patient and engaging atmosphere for newcomers. They praise the authentic tatami mats and highlight that this is one of the few clubs offering substantial adult programming in Hawaii. Several mention bringing children and having excellent experiences, while others appreciate the top notch teaching quality. The seven day per week schedule and inclusive approach for both kids and adults is noted as a particular rarity in the area.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (4)
Paul Kim
a year ago
Super welcoming. Awesome authentic tatami mats. I contacted several Judo clubs as a newcomer of Hawaii, and were surprised most of them did not offer much for adults interested. But this was one of the few and I came with an attitude as a day 1 student as a primarily BJJ practitioner, and everyone was patient and engaging.
Ferdinand Casido
7 months ago
I brought my son here, and the experience was excellent. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming.
John De'Orio
3 months ago
This judo club provides classes 7 days of the week and welcomes new and seasoned kids AND adults. Quite a rarity.
Pastor López
a year ago
Great and very welcoming judo club with top-notch teaching
Contact
620 Waipa Ln, Honolulu, HI 96817, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 5:00 – 7:30 PM
Tuesday: 4:30 – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 4:30 – 7:00 PM
Friday: 5:00 – 7:30 PM
Saturday: 7:15 – 11:00 AM
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
Gina Sullivan
Competition Head Coach, Open Mat Coach, Judo Essentials Head Instructor
4th Degree Black Belt
Former top 5 US athlete in 52kg division. Gold medals in Quebec and Ontario Opens. Holds B.S. in Sport Psychology and M.Ed. in Secondary Education.
Matthew Ogata
Open Mat Head Coach
3rd Degree Black Belt
Two-time National Collegiate Judo Champion. Trained at Tokai University in Japan. Teacher with Hawaii Department of Education.
Louie Hung
Judo Fundamentals Head Instructor
4th Degree Black Belt (Judo), 1st Degree Black Belt (BJJ)
Co-founded Portland Judo. Studied judo in Japan and BJJ under Dave Camarillo. Holds a BS in Kinesiology from San Jose State.
Russell Ogata
F.I.T Class Instructor
3rd Degree Black Belt
Veteran PE teacher with over 30 years experience. Former Olympic weightlifting competitor. Also practices naginata and kyudo.
Tyler Matsumoto
Adaptive Judo Head Instructor
1st Degree Black Belt
Junior National Champion. Works as a registered behavior technician. Started judo at age nine under Kevin Asano.
Kevin Asano
Head Judo Instructor, Open Mat Coach, Executive Director
8th Degree Black Belt, Olympic Silver Medalist
8th degree black belt, 1988 Olympic silver medalist, World Championships bronze medalist. Inducted into multiple Halls of Fame. Past president of Hawaii Judo, Inc. and USJF.
Shintaro Taniguchi
Open Mat Coach
3rd Degree Black Belt
Over 25 years of judo practice. Head coach of the University of Hawaii at Manoa Judo Club/Team. Associate professor at Hawaii Tokai International College.