Very few things warm my heart more than stepping into the Silicon Valley Judo dojo, especially if it's to see some of our favorite people on planet Earth. SVJ is a place of learning and testing knowledge of biomechanics, leverage, philosophy, and most importantly FUN! Sensei Lorne is warm, funny, and provides masterful explanation of judo techniques complete with expert tips, finesse, & nuances. With my own eyes, I've witnessed gangly kids and novice adults grow into accomplished black belts. Grit is something that many learn on the SVJ mat. There is a deep sense of fulfillment in helping others develop confidence, achieve self-mastery, and find raucous camaraderie! I've certainly benefited. Been going there for almost 2 decades and will be there Saturday! It's always an epic time! I highly recommend checking it out and doing a class! Hoorah! read more

Silicon Valley Judo - svjudo.com dojo - Martial Arts Near Me - Santa Clara, California

Silicon Valley Judo is awesome for kids and adults alike! The senseis are amazing, and the community they foster is very warm and welcoming too. Highly recommend!! read more

We absolutely love Silicon Valley Judo! Both of my kids train here, and the experience has been nothing short of fantastic. The coaches are incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and truly care about each child's development--not just as judokas but also as disciplined, confident individuals. The dojo has a welcoming and supportive atmosphere, making it a great environment for kids to learn and grow. My children have not only improved their judo skills but have also gained confidence, respect, and perseverance--qualities that extend far beyond the mat. I highly recommend Silicon Valley Judo to any parent looking for a positive, character-building martial arts experience for their kids. read more

So thankful to Sensei. We love this judo place and my son is coming here for over 6 years since he is 4.

This past Saturday, we were fortunate to attend the 20th Anniversary celebration of the Silicon Valley Judo Club at the Buddhist Church in San Jose. This family-owned club has endured challenges including relocating three times and weathering the Pandemic, yet it continues to flourish. We commend Lorne and the Mayeda family for their dedication to judo, teaching young children resilience and the importance of perseverance--when life knocks you down, you must get back up and keep moving forward. Congratulations on reaching your 20th anniversary! Here's to another two decades of continued success. Thank you--Arigato Gozaimasu! read more

Judo at its best! We were supposed to go to San Jose State University for open mat tonight. We found out too late that the team was traveling for a tournament. So I called up Silicone Vally Judo and asked if we could drop-in. They had a special class at 6:30 called Ascension (completion level drilling). There was like 25 competitors aged 11 to adult. My kids were well matched and had a great workout. The second class, 7:30 pm, was Adult Competition. Since my kids compete a lot, they were allowed to stay. We had a bonus as Sensei Gerardo Padilla from the Mexican National team dropped in with a few Judoka from Mexico. What a treat. For any competitor or Judoka that wants a great, hard but satisfying workout, you should come here. I am sure they have great beginning classes as the Coaches were so attentive. Thank you SVJ! read more

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Signed up my son for pre-judo. He enjoys it and has improved. First part of the class are warm up drills. Then they transition to a game that simulates a judo sweep/fall. Last half of the class they teach a technique. They have practice dummies to do judo throws. Great for beginners with no experience. Plenty of chairs and couches for the parents/siblings to sit and watch. Instructors are friendly and are great with the kids. Everyone wears masks and they sanitize the mats after every class. read more

Silicon Valley Judo - Judo throw on a practice dummy - Martial Arts Near Me - Santa Clara, California

My 10 year old took classes here for a brief period of time (unfortunately, she decided judo was not "her thing", so she stopped taking classes). While she was there, though, we had a great experience. The facility is clean (they clean the mats after each class), there's lots of parking, and lots of comfortable chairs for parents to sit in while their kids are in class. The price for classes is also very reasonable. You can buy a package of four classes (cheaper than buying individual classes) and you have two months to use them up - this is great because you don't have to pay for a missed class when your kid is sick or you're away on vacation. You can also just buy individual classes, which is great if you just want to try them out to see how you like it. The owner and teachers are amazing - nice people, great with kids and very patient. My daughter was super nervous before her first class because she was worried she'd be the only one in class who didn't know what they were doing. Not to worry, though! For the kids class that my daughter was in, there were usually 3 teachers for about 15 kids. During the first part of the class, the lead sensei worked with the kids who had been there awhile (the majority of the class). The new kids got to work in small groups with the other teachers to learn the basics. There were some occasions where my daughter was even able to work one on one with a teacher to learn how to fall properly, etc. This makes it a lot less intimidating for beginners. Later on in the class, the beginners join up with the rest of the kids in the class. I highly recommend Silicon Valley Judo. If my daughter ever decides she want to give judo another try, I would not hesitate to come back. read more

Awesome Program with 3 black belts teaching the kids. Skye is learning and the Saturday classes make me happy read more

Both my kids been practicing Judo at this family run Dojo for many years. Sensei Lorne Mayeda is great with children. The sensei and instructors are so experienced and they are so patience when teaching and leading the younger judokas to keep their interests and skills in Judo. read more

My son has been coming here for about 2 yes now. He really enjoys it and I like the instructors. They are very good with the kids. My will continue to come and. Part of the team. read more

Silicon Valley Judo - New judo place - Martial Arts Near Me - Santa Clara, California

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I'd been searching for a Judo school in my area for quite some time and SVJ always came up in my searches. Lots of people I'd talked to also had only good things to say about this place. I'd emailed the San Jose Buddhist Judo club for info about their place and they also recommended SVJ. You've gotta have a legit operation if other schools are willing to give you business. I emailed SVJ requesting information and the replies were quick, polite and accurate. We headed over for the free trial class the first Saturday we were available. My eldest daughter, 6 years old, is taking classes here but they do take students as young as 4 years old. My youngest would be attending but she's pretty stubborn and refuses to attend class now, so we've pulled her out and she now watches her sister go through class. Initially we'd signed up both girls, the process was quick and easy. Even taking one of them out of the payment schedule was simple and easy. Tilly who runs the Desk, is very nice and helpful in sooo many ways. If she had advice for you in regards to your kids and their classes go ahead and listen, she knows what she's talking about. Sensei Lorne, his kids and staff are excellent instructors. They are patient, positive and very detail oriented when it comes to the technique or moves being taught for the day. Their style of instruction is fun to watch, they are always using positive reinforcement when teaching. Even when the kids are doing something incorrectly, somehow they turn it into a good learning experience so the kid "gets it". The gym looks immaculate, the locker rooms are clean and the bathrooms are well kept and stocked. If you're looking for a place for yourself or your kids, Silicon Valley Judo is a top notch place to go. This is a Family run business which looks out for your Family's best interests. There is a free trial class for first timers and there is seriously no pressure to join after wards. We were encouraged to NOT buy a Gi for our daughter until she actually started to want to come to class herself. Needless to say, she's got her own Gi and loves to practice Judo in class and at home! read more

I'm a beginner to judo, but this dojo is a great fit for beginners and experts alike. There are no egos here. The dojo is family-oriented and designed to help each individual meet their goals. Ron and Lorne Mayeda bring a positive attitude to every class and they take their instruction very seriously. They are always willing to answer questions and help their students any way they can. I can't say enough about the quality and credentials they bring to their establishment. Adult classes are designed to allow beginners the fundamentals of judo before moving onto the technical class. For students interested in competitive judo, there is also a format of classes to prepare people for tournaments. In addition to the adult classes taught here, there is an equal emphasis on teaching children. A lot of parents bring their kids here. So if you're a parent looking to get your children involved, this is a great place to try out. read more

Excellent Sensei. Great lessons, not only with fundamentals of Judo, but also with life philosophies. Judo is difficult and dangerous, but The Mayeda's make it fun and enjoyable. read more

Silicon Valley Judo - Fun judo lessons. - Martial Arts Near Me - Santa Clara, California

This is such an amazing judo center. They are the absolute sweetest family and they have been teaching judo for generations. My daughter has been coming for a few months and loves it. We really love how she has had one on one instruction of the fundamentals until she is getting comfortable. I really like how this center is operated, very friendly and welcoming atmosphere! We would highly recommend this center if looking for a great place to learn and practice judo! read more

Updated August 2007: My sons and I have been coming here for about 2.5 years now. The schedule is very flexible -- they have practice Tuesdays through Saturday for every skill level from Pre-judo through Advanced competitor class. If you have children, you can have the birthday party there where the kids don a gi (Judo uniform) and have some fun on the mat. One reason I think Judo is perfect for kids is that there is no striking. It does not promote aggression, but can be very effective in the event a fracas breaks out at school. Judo also teaches kids how to fall safely, which has great applications on the playground -- this just happened to us recently. Our 4 year old (almost 5) slipped from the monkey bars (sweaty palms made his grip too slick) and fell flat on his back from about 5' up or more onto the ground. Despite a fall from this height, he was not injured at all! I asked him if he tucked his chin, and he said, "Ya, just like in Judo." My wife noticed him actually tucking his chin as he fell. This real-world ukemi (Judo falling techniques) saved my son from getting a serious concussion. He tucked his chin not because it was natural or because he was told to. He did it because each week in Judo class, he practices ukemi, i.e. how to fall safely, and that repetition has made it a reflexive action when falling. I can't tell you how pleased my wife and I are with this! His Judo training saved us a trip to the ER, and gives us some peace of mind as he starts Kindergarten in the fall. It's not just for kids. I admit I was initially concerned by my fitness level (or lack thereof), but it's neat how anybody can start Judo, and slowly get into better shape. After two years, I've shed a significant amount of fat, gained strength, and have decent cardio too. I still have a long way to go, but I'm making a little progress each week. The most dramatic changes started happening after I joined the competitor class about a year after I started. Men and women alike join in the practices. SVJ is a family business, and has all the aspects you want: they are warm, inviting, flexible, attentive, etc. read more

SV Judo is a great place to go. They cater to everyone and every skill level. The facility is super; it's clean and well organized. The staff is wonderful. They are experienced and they give great detailed instruction. There's ample parking in the back of the building. If you want to practice judo in San Jose, SV Judo is the only place to go. read more

SVJ is a great facility. They're wonderful with kids and teaching them respect and discipline, mental strength and strategies. Also the family running the program are so nice and sweet!! read more

Awesome judo club. Everyone here is so friendly. Students get a lot of attention. I look forward to coming here whenever possible!

SVJ is a great school that offers a flexible schedule for the working adult. It's got a great family atmosphere not only by the staff but also it's members. I've been going to SVJ for over a year now and have learned a lot and made many new friends. I enjoy the fact that I can go to a clean dojo that's focused on the well being of it's students. Once my kids are old enough to go, I will also send them here. read more

pros: lots of judo most days of the week nice soft tatami aka mats the lady at the front desk is nice a good amount of people come for the adult classes good mixture of techniques they practice ground work safe for all skill levels just make sure you to the correct class lots of randori to improve throws positive people cons: none, nothing objective or important. pricing: ideal if you want to do judo all the time. you cannot find a place that has so much judo. its more expensive than a regular gym membership and cheaper than a mma or karate place. ive seen quoted with ridiculous contracts of mma places costing $250 a month or more with yearly contracts and other random fees. i have seen contracts with restrictions and complex rules. most gyms are cheaper now a days. you get a better deal at silicon valley judo. well i am not made of money, this sport is more fun than any other class at a regular gym could offer. yes this place is not cheap but not expensive or excessive in price. it is a good value. the instructors do set up a good place. basic judo etiquette is needed, no bare feet off the mat (duh! but some people still do it, yuck!), bow before and after you get on the mat, have reapect and have fun! also try not to 'spaz out', relax! oh and the conditioning is hard fyi. if you want that kind of stuff. read more

Great Senseis. Awesome atmosphere. They offer both recreational and competitive classes for judokas. Come and check it out!

I must start my review of Silicon Valley Judo with the fact that I am new to Judo. I was nervous about starting something very foreign to me but my fears were put at ease in the first 5 minutes! It is a great sport and quite a workout. The expert instruction and personal attention I receive is unique. The family environment makes it a plus for children and mine will start going as soon as they can. I have since seen a few other places that teach Judo and none come even close to comparison. If your interested in Judo, this is the place! read more

My son has been going here for 3 years now. He is almost 8 now. He really likes it. I have never had a problem getting him in the car to go. The owners create a very good atmosphere to learn in. I highly recommend it. read more

5 stars woohoo! As good as it gets! A very professional and clean environment good for all ages from professionals to beginners from taking lessons to having birthday party's with all new floors and equipment this place rocks read more

Found this school for my son online and glad I gave it a try! He's definitely enjoying the classes.

There aren't enough good things I can say about Silicon Valley Judo. I grew up in Detroit, where my fondest memories and life-shaping experiences were attached to a family run tae kwon do gym -- we were all close friends, competed hard, and had a great time together. That was 25 years ago. Now, with two young boys, I've been searching for a gym that has similar attributes -- humble, serious, friendly/welcoming, family-oriented, competitive, and excellent in martial arts instruction. SVJ has all of those positives. My wife and I dropped by SVJ due to the Yelp reviews I read. (I wanted to introduce my sons to judo before any 'striking' martial art.) We were so pleased from the very first day (and have now clocked in over 3 months). Our sons look forward to judo and have been incrementally learning judo at a reasonable, safe pace. On our first day, Tilly was welcoming and patient in explaining the schedule and process of joining; there was no hard sell, up sell, or anything other than focus on getting my sons introduced to judo (at a reasonable price). The instructors (many of whom are related) comport themselves very professionally -- they are so welcoming to children and beginners. I should note that beyond children's classes, there are a variety of other classes (on a regular schedule) that cater to youth (by age group), adults, beginners, and experts. The gym is very well maintained, clean, and has ample and safe parking at the back of the building. Finally, I'd like to note that some of the instructors/practitioners are alumni of San Jose State University's judo program, which, I recently learned while watching the London Olympics and following bronze medalist Marti Malloy, is one of the preeminent judo programs in the world. I was so pleasantly surprised by how humble Loren and the other instructors are. To illustrate, I was speaking with one of the black belts whose children are taking judo classes with my children. I asked her for some advice on how to keep children engaged, and she gave very thoughtful answers. (Never once did she tell me that she was also a two-time U.S. Judo Olympian!) To have my children taught by such outstanding instructors is truly special. I liken it to a master class! Thank you SVJ for providing such high quality martial arts instruction to my sons! Martial arts was a huge part of my life, and I'm so glad that they get to share in the experience. read more