Home › California › San Rafael › KaizenKan Judo
KaizenKan Judo
5 ★★★★★ 32 Google reviews · BJJ gym in San Rafael, California
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth BJJ classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule marinjudo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
Hours
| Monday | 3:30–7 pm |
| Tuesday | 3:30–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 3:30–7 pm |
| Thursday | 3:30–7 pm |
| Friday | 3:30–7 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“the place is very cozy and the people are pleasant, I advise you to practice some martial art, especially children!”
“We don't even need to mention sensei Daniel's technical habilities, his many, many medals speak for themselves.”
“I highly recommend this Dojo if you’re a beginner or professional.”
Other martial arts here
“His shear grit and determination to bring good judo to the people of San Rafael and surrounding is nothing short of beautiful.”
What members say
“Beyond that the studio is amazing and staff friendly.”
“One of the things that truly sets Sensei Daniel apart is his attention to detail.”
“We don't even need to mention sensei Daniel's technical habilities, his many, many medals speak for themselves.”
From the reviews
Awesome Dojo, Daniel Sensei is one of a kind. I highly recommend this Dojo if you’re a beginner or professional.
As a seasoned black belt in judo and owner of a dojo Myself, I've had the privilege of training in dojos around the world. However, my experience at Sensei Daniel's Dojo stands out as a shining example of excellence in martial arts training. From the moment I stepped onto the mat, I knew I was in for something special.
KaizenKan Judo, under the leadership of Sensei Daniel, is an exemplary dojo that I highly recommend. As a fully credentialed, professional educator in California, I have had the privilege of observing the exceptional pedagogical practices of Sensei Daniel.
This is a fabulous new judo dojo in Marin, led by Daniel Barboza Sensei, an accomplished national and international level competitor in Judo with decades of teaching and coaching experience. I can’t say enough about his knowledge and expertise in judo and the quality of the dojo he has built. Highly recommended!
New to BJJ? Start at KaizenKan Judo
KaizenKan Judo comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. If you've never rolled or set foot on a mat, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard rolling — reputable gyms build fundamentals (positions, escapes, and basic submissions) for weeks, live rolling eases in gradually, and tapping early keeps every roll safe. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out, and leave your ego at the door. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first BJJ class at KaizenKan Judo
Nervous about walking into a BJJ gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic positions and escapes with a partner — not hard sparring. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and a mouthguard if you have one — many gyms lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking. As you keep training you'll add your own gi (or a rashguard and shorts for no-gi) and a mouthguard. Live rolling eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
More BJJ gyms near San Rafael
Black Sheep Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 43 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site