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Washington Judo Academy
5 ★★★★★ 92 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Bellevue, Washington
Martial arts club offering instruction in judo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and wrestling to children and adults.
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
- No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule wajudo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 206-229-9856
Hours
| Monday | 5–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 6–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 5:15–9 pm |
| Thursday | 5:15–9 pm |
| Friday | 5–9 pm |
| Saturday | 11 am–5 pm |
| Sunday | 3–5 pm |
The classes they run
“We also really appreciate the students from more advanced classes who help the young kids follow all activities, our son seems to really listen and look up to them too.”
“Even when I’m traveling to various tournaments around the world, he will go out of his way to answer my questions and point me in the right direction.”
“I highly recommend the academy to anyone interested in learning judo, whether beginners or experienced practitioners.”
Other martial arts here
“As someone who has been attending this Judo club in Kirkland for the past 3 months, I can confidently say that it's been an excellent experience so far.”
What members say
“Sensei Nick is an incredible instructor who truly cares about his students' progress.”
“I highly recommend the academy to anyone interested in learning judo, whether beginners or experienced practitioners.”
“Coaches are dedicated, enthusiastic, experienced and skilled while professional, supportive, and attentive in their approach.”
“The youth classes are well-structured, providing a perfect balance of physical exercise and technique instruction.”
“Super inviting place glad we found it and that my son loves it too.”
“Even when I’m traveling to various tournaments around the world, he will go out of his way to answer my questions and point me in the right direction.”
From the reviews
I highly recommend Washington Judo Academy to anyone looking to improve their Judo skills, get in shape, or just have fun. The atmosphere is friendly, supportive, and encouraging. Everyone is willing to help each other and push each other to be the best version of themselves.
This is such an excellent judo academy! They take anyone regardless of experience level and help you reach your highest potential in judo. Any amount of time spent there will benefit you! The instructors are so excited to be a part of our journey in this sport, especially Sensei Nick!
Washington Judo Academy has a beautiful array of instructors that have students from ages 2 all the way to 76. They really prove to the community that judo is for everybody. My uchimata has developed so much over the last 6 months going to classes here. I am doing things with my body that I never thought were possible.
Washington Judo Academy is easily the best dojo around! Very inviting and friendly atmosphere. The staff is fantastic, and the community here is always willing to help. They’ve gone above and beyond to provide an amazing experience.
New to BJJ? Start at Washington Judo Academy
Washington Judo Academy 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 Washington Judo Academy
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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