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San Diego Judo and Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 26 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Poway, 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
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule sdjudo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (619) 786-2820
Hours
| Monday | 4–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 4–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 4–9 PM |
| Thursday | 4–9 PM |
| Friday | 4–9 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–3 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My husband grew up doing Judo (ok, Junior National champion in US and Canada) and searched all over San Diego for a dojo with proper training basics for our kids.”
“Instructors have the rare gift of being both excellent competitors and excellent teachers.”
“This is a great dojo for both beginners and black belts, I appreciate to be able to train at San Diego Judo and Jiu Jitsu”
Other martial arts here
“My husband grew up doing Judo (ok, Junior National champion in US and Canada) and searched all over San Diego for a dojo with proper training basics for our kids.”
What members say
“They are both great coaches as well, and are great at teaching.”
“The dojo has such a welcoming, grounding energy — it feels like a place where kids can learn strong skills while also feeling safe and cared for.”
“The dojo has such a welcoming, grounding energy — it feels like a place where kids can learn strong skills while also feeling safe and cared for.”
“Her background having competed in the World Judo championships several years adds a level of knowledge second to none.”
“My gi doesn't smell after training because mats are clean.”
From the reviews
My 10 year old son has been training jiu jitsu since he was 4. When introduced to Sensei Leilani Akiyama and her judo program over a year ago he has become invigorated with the sport and his mentor Sensei Leilani. Leilanis demeanor is perfect for kids and adults.
Myself and both of my young kids train at San Diego Judo, and we all love it! Properly raised mats make it safe and comfortable to take falls, no gaps between mats so your toes would not get caught. My gi doesn't smell after training because mats are clean.
My 8- and 14-year-old daughters recently started judo here, and they absolutely love it! Every Tuesday and Thursday, they can’t wait to get their gis on and head to class. The dojo has such a welcoming, grounding energy — it feels like a place where kids can learn strong skills while also feeling safe and cared for.
My daughter’s been attending for 10 months now and I can honestly say this is one of the best martial arts gyms I’ve been to. The kid’s classes are taught by a world class athlete and Judoka, Sensei Leilani, and the growth my daughter has shown has been tremendous.
New to BJJ? Start at San Diego Judo and Jiu Jitsu
San Diego Judo and Jiu Jitsu comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. 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 San Diego Judo and Jiu Jitsu
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 when you call. 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.
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