Adult Beginner Judo Classes in Honolulu
Judo for adults in Honolulu — whether you've never trained, you're coming back after years away, or you cross-train in jiu-jitsu. Classes are Wednesdays 7:30–9:00pm and Thursdays 10:30am–12:00 noon at 620 Waipa Lane. Beginners to intermediate, all ages, working at your own pace. Membership is $75/month (regular $150), and your first week is free.
Why choose judo as an adult?
Improved Physical Fitness
Judo promotes strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and cardiovascular health.
Stress Relief & Mental Wellness
Judo can help manage stress and improve overall well-being.
Mental Resilience
Judo develops focus, discipline, and problem-solving abilities.
Community & Friendship
Judo training occurs in a supportive environment, fostering camaraderie.
What a Class Looks Like
Learn fundamental judo principles and techniques in a welcoming and supportive environment. Classes begin with a warm-up, then ukemi (falling safely), nage-waza (throws) and ne-waza (groundwork). You'll spend your first weeks learning to fall before you learn to throw. Students progress at their own pace, focusing on safe and effective technique.
Your first class: come about 10 minutes early to sign in and meet the instructor. You'll train in a judo gi — if you don't have one yet, get in touch before your first class. Bare feet on the mat, bring water, and tell the instructor it's your first time.
Get Started!
Come try a free week. Wednesdays at 7:30pm or Thursdays at 10:30am, 620 Waipa Lane. You'll need USJF insurance first ($9.99/month at usjf.com/subscription). To enroll, print the club membership forms and bring them to practice — we don't take online registration. Adults over 50 can also look at our Safe Falling class, and experienced judoka are welcome at Open Mat.
Common Questions
Do I need to be in shape to start?
No. The warm-up is scaled to who's in the room, and beginners work at their own pace. For a lot of our adults, judo is how they got back in shape — not something they did first.
I'm over 40 — is it too late to start judo?
No. The beginner class doesn't assume you're twenty: people come to it after years away from sport, or having never done a martial art at all, and everyone works at their own pace.
Do I need a gi for my first class?
Judo is trained in a gi, so yes — if you don't have one yet, get in touch before your first class. You can also order one from our club store.
I train BJJ. Will judo help?
Yes — judo is where the throws and much of the groundwork in jiu-jitsu came from, and standing work is the part most BJJ players are missing. Adults cross-training from BJJ are welcome in the beginner class.
How do I sign up?
Print the membership forms, register with USJF, and bring both to practice. We don't accept online registration.
How much is it?
$75/month, currently reduced from $150, plus your USJF membership.