Washington Judo Academy

Washington Judo Academy Bellevue Dojo

Washington Judo Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Judo, BJJ, and Wrestling club, recently relocated to a Bellevue dojo on 116th Avenue NE serving Kirkland, Redmond, Seattle, and the broader Eastside. The nonprofit structure means tuition supports the world-class training program rather than commercial profit margins.

Kids Judo Programs

The academy runs youth judo classes accepting students as young as 4, with reviews referencing 4 and 7 year olds actively training in the kids program. Programs include:
- Kids Judo (youth-tier classes starting at age 4)
- Adult Judo (Kodokan-style throwing and grappling)
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ side of the same nonprofit)
- Wrestling (third grappling discipline in the curriculum)
- Open Mat sessions for advanced students and visitors

What's Included

• 501(c)(3) nonprofit structure (tuition supports program, not owner profit)
• Four named senseis on the floor: Tomoko, Micah, David, and Evgeny
• Three grappling disciplines under one roof (Judo, BJJ, Wrestling)
• Open mat sessions for cross-training
• Recently relocated to new Bellevue dojo

Experience

Parent reviews consistently describe the senseis as "good coaches and Senseis, but even better and kinder people" - the nonprofit DNA shows up in the relational tone of the room. The dual judo + BJJ + wrestling curriculum lets kids cross-train standing throws with ground technique, which is rare in standalone judo or BJJ clubs. Pattern fits families looking for serious traditional judo training with a community-first rather than commercial-first vibe.