Nakano Judo Academy

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Name: J***** C*
Date: 2023-09-28 23:20:26
Rating: 5
Comment: I absolutely love this place! And its not just me -- I know a couple of folks who brave the long drive from the East Bay after a long day of school or work just to attend class. Nakano Judo Academy is an excellent, welcoming, and fun place to train no matter what level, age, or goal. There truly is something for everyone. I personally joined the adult class, as pretty much a complete beginner, to get fit in my 30s. The only reason Im leaving is because Im moving out of the SF Bay Area. But judo here helped me lose over 30 pounds in about 6 months (along with a proper diet, which I was very motivated to have since I didnt want to compete in the +100kg openweight category in tournaments 😉) and feel healthy.The sensei is the nicest most welcoming person and youll never feel out of place in the dojo even if youre a complete beginner (theres always complete beginners anyway) or young or older. The students, and especially the ranked belts, are also so nice, welcoming, and eager to help you settle in and learn no matter what level you are. If youre a complete beginner or older (or both) and wary of being injured by ramping up participation in a combat sport, there is no stigma or shame at all in taking it easy at first. Youll be fine.At the time of this writing, Tuesdays and Thursdays are the fundamentals days, while the longer Monday and Wednesday sessions are focused more on competition/randori/conditioning. Theres a Saturday class thats like a shorter Monday/Wednesday class. Tuesday is most often newaza day, and Thursday is most often stand up day. A lot of the same things are covered during the fundamentals days, which at first I thought was repetitive, but I soon realized was kind of the point -- drilling in the moves youll most likely use or see in practice or competition, especially as a beginner. Theres a lot of nuances to every move anyway (much like a simple golf or tennis swing which are drilled to infinity) and I appreciated how the sensei and other upper ranked students have something different to teach you every time. In other words, the instruction is focused on what works, and in what contexts, given the senseis experience as an elite level competitor with the Japanese national team. I appreciated getting the context to everything we learned since I could readily apply it in randori or try to troubleshoot when things arent working. Or just appreciate it when youre at the receiving end of a nicely executed throw!But there is a lot of material to cover, and if you stick around, youll get the benefit of the senseis experience competing and training with the best. If youre like me and focused primarily on getting fit and not really on competing, thats really helpful anyway in motivating me to excitedly attend and learn something new or polish up an old skill every single class.The facilities are clean and the mats feel great to fall in. The commute from Mountain View is easy and theres easy parking everywhere. Youll make good friends. Youll be healthy. If you want to be good at this, you certainly can. If like me you want to pick up a hobby that you can keep up for a long time to stay healthy, this is the place to go.

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Name: M***** N*****
Date: 2023-09-24 22:20:27
Rating: 5
Comment: Best dojo

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Name: V***** D*******
Date: 2023-06-28 06:37:20
Rating: 5
Comment: Nakano Judo Academy is an excellent dojo for Judokas at all levels. Nakano Sensei allows everyone to go at their own pace for the martial art depending on their goals, whether for self-defense, as a hobby, or for Judokas that want to compete. There are also different types of classes that work on technique for beginners and competition classes with a high amount of drilling and sparring for competitors. Nakano Sensei himself is highly knowledgeable and explains techniques and competition strategies very well. He is also very patient and kind, and in the five months I have trained here, I never felt afraid to ask him about a specific technique I would be working on in or after class. There are also 30 minutes of open mat time after class, which gives you more time to ask questions to Sensei, work on a specific throw or sweep, or go sparring with other Judokas. There is also a wide variety of Judoka at different levels, and you are encouraged to ask higher belts questions and even go sparring with them, in the competition classes, without being looked down upon. I highly recommend this dojo for anyone wanting to try Judo for the first time or is an experienced Judoka :)

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Name: R S
Date: 2022-12-09 18:26:11
Rating: 5
Comment: Great judo here. More importantly a very positive environment and Sensai is a great role model. I’ve seen my child develop strength, coordination, confidence, and deep friendships. Highly recommended.

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Name: D***** Y*
Date: 2022-11-23 16:07:50
Rating: 5
Comment: I spent a year learning here and it was such an amazing experience. The community is welcoming, enthusiastic, and great to work with. Nakano Sensei is such an incredible teacher and coach, breaking down complex movements into methodical step by step exercises to practice making every movement perfect. 10/10 -- glad I chose to expand my combat sport experience here

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Name: A******* Z******
Date: 2021-10-12 17:26:57
Rating: 5
Comment: Awesome academy! My son went the first time with no expectations and now he wants to go every day!The sensei is from Japan, he has high experience including international competitions. You can see discipline, respect and real training for children and adults there.Its very affordable!

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Name: F****
Date: 2021-04-20 04:37:27
Rating: 5
Comment: Good place to keep kids active, healthy and away from bad habits.

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Name: A***** M********
Date: 2021-03-18 04:36:29
Rating: 5
Comment: Best judo school in Bay Area!

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Name: D**** M*********
Date: 2020-01-23 23:40:35
Rating: 5
Comment: This dojo is very well run, and has a warm and friendly atmosphere. I cant praise Nakano sensei enough for his dedication to his students, the results being evident in tournaments, as well as in the camaraderie that can be felt in daily practice. Ive trained in several dojos in the US and Japan, and I really like the balance between traditional old-style judo and modern contest-oriented judo that Nakano sensei has adopted. You can tell that the techniques he teaches are well-grounded in practical experience, and that the technical expertise goes very deep. This school is a real gem in Northern California!

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Name: S******* Y**********
Date: 2019-08-11 00:11:08
Rating: 5
Comment: My son started attending Judo Academy in October 2018 when he turned 4 years old. From the beginning, he got really interested in practicing, because of very attentive approach that sensei provided. My son is one of those shy kids that need some time to open up to new environments. Nakano Judo Academy helped him to become more confident, resilient, communicative and considerate of others. Its been almost a year now and not only he gained all traits I mentioned above, but also earned yellow/white belt, learned how to count in Japanese, became more disciplined and most importantly improved his physical shape. We are truly grateful to find this place for our son and having kindest, most supportive sensei and an amazing person Shintaro. At every practice, he diligently teaches our son and other students to become better at judo and more prepared for real life.

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Name: D***** M
Date: 2019-07-07 00:22:57
Rating: 5
Comment: Great place to learn judo

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Name: S**** N*****
Date: 2019-07-03 06:42:28
Rating: 5
Comment: I remember walking by Nakano Judo Academy and watching them practice through the window. Sensei Shintaro Nakano greeted us then invited us in to watch the rest of practice. I decided to have my daughter do the 3 day trial on a Wednesday and by Saturday I had all 3 of my kids signed up. I originally only had my daughter try so she could learn self defense but my other kids immediately wanted to join after watching her train. My kids love going to practice. Sensei Nakano offers classes 5 days a week and my kids are there everyday. 7 months later and my 12 year old son has competed in 4 tournaments and has placed in each one of them. We feel like part of a family since everyone is friendly and has guided us through the whole process. I highly recommend Nakano Judo Academy and I wouldnt go anywhere else! Thank you Sensei Nakano.

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Name: R****** R******
Date: 2019-07-03 03:14:35
Rating: 5
Comment: Since joining Nakano Judo Academy in 2017 my daughter has become a nationally ranked judo player all while maintaining her 4.0 GPA. Nakano Judo Academy helped my daughter not only learn how to defend herself but also how to manage time, set priorities, and focus on creating a successful future. My daughter’s best friends are now her judo teammates and even some of her tournament opponents; the judo community is great for families and creating lifetime bonds. The program is tailored to enhance the students natural abilities and equip them with the best skills. Nakano Sensei prioritizes quality time with each one of his students to ensure they learn and practice the proper ways of real traditional Japanese judo. Sensei Shintaro Nakano is easily one of the best if not the best coaches for judo techniques in the country. Nakano Judo Academy frequently receives visits from World Champions, Olympic Champions, the top judo players in the world, and the elite university teams, for training sessions and assistant coaching. I highly recommend Nakano Judo Academy for everyone looking to add fitness into their lifestyles, wanting to learn a martial art, or seeking to take their judo skills to the highest level.

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Name: J***** F******
Date: 2019-03-09 19:36:28
Rating: 5
Comment: I’m a 10+ year Gracie Jiu Jitsu practitioner and I was looking for a traditional judo professor and academy to help me elevate my fundamental throwing techniques. I found Shintaro sensei and his academy through an extensive search throughout the greater Bay Area. Shintaro sensei is a true martial arts master – patient, respectful, knowledgeable and detail oriented. Not all martial artists can teach effectively, however Shintaro sensei is an excellent teacher who leads by example and has an approach that is easy to follow – regardless of skill level or athletic ability (I’m 45 years old). His teaching technique is among the best I’ve had the pleasure to experience. His academy is immaculately clean, open and there is plenty of space to practice. If I had to choose one place to learn and practice traditional judo, I would choose Nakano Judo Academy.

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Name: e***** g********
Date: 2018-12-27 06:26:35
Rating: 5
Comment: Best Judo Academy in California1. self-discipline2. self-confidence3. concentration4. physical coordination5. power6. flexibility etc ...

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Name: I***** S****
Date: 2018-11-09 13:09:07
Rating: 5
Comment: I went from Brazil to the Bay Area for a work project. As I didnt want to stop my judo practice, I planned to visit some schools in the first weeks and choose one to keep attending for the rest of the stay. The first day I went to Nakano Judo got me hooked! Its been only a week since I am back home after six months training under Nakanos and I already miss it.Sensei Shintaro Nakano is a splendid judoka and instructor. His knowledge is vast and solid, from very technical positioning details to fighting strategy and training methodology. There hasnt been a single time where I left practice with the impression that something would not work in a match. In addition to showing precisely how *you* can make some technique/situation work, Sensei Nakano makes it work on randori (sparring). As a 1.81m 115kg man with some 3 years of judo, I never got thrown so easily and gently as when I was sparring Nakano! He is a very polite, kind and welcoming person, and that shows in the schools mood as well.The physical structure of the dojo is great: plenty of mat space, nice colors in the mats and walls, and room for people to watch. Also, the assistant instructors and training partners are great judokas and people, always willing to help everyone and improve themselves. More than training partners, I have made friends there!It is a school for high quality training in all aspects, and a safe, clean and welcoming environment. I strongly recommend it to every type of person: experienced judoka, beginner judoka or someone that doesnt even exercise yet!

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Name: Y***** K*****
Date: 2018-08-17 01:58:05
Rating: 5
Comment: Best judo school in California. Coach Nakano learned authentic judo in Japan. Very good with kids. Owner teaches classes himself, which is rare in todays McDojo times.Great technician. For adults, he can teach at the highest level.

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Name: Y****** L**
Date: 2018-07-28 17:58:05
Rating: 5
Comment: Very good place. Good environment and excellent techer.

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Name: Y*** H****
Date: 2017-12-04 06:34:40
Rating: 5
Comment: My son enjoys leaning Judo here. Nakano Sensei and his assistants are very friendly and patient with my son so that encourage him to try difficult move for him.

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Name: R******** N********
Date: 2017-12-03 07:47:07
Rating: 5
Comment: Excellent Judo Academy with a great teacher and assistants! Highly recommended

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Name: �***
Date: 2017-10-18 16:01:48
Rating: 5
Comment: He has had an excellent career as a player and coach. He is teaching traditional Judo lessons but with modern techniques, using his advanced skills. I learned Judo in Japan but he teaches us in so much detail from beginners to advanced players. You cant get lessons of this high quality and detail anywhere else.

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Name: J*** B*********
Date: 2017-10-07 17:06:12
Rating: 5
Comment: If your goal is to fine tune judo technical skills, Nakano Sensei is your best bet. We were looking for someone who could bring our kids to higher levels of technique, performance and mindset to excel in their sport. His approach is very focused and disciplined. He helped bring our kids to improved skill levels and competitive abilities.We enrolled Nakano Sensei’s special classes in 2015 and have been with him ever since. He first evaluates prospective students based on their skill levels and makes his assessment. He configures classes to identify weak spots and provides instructions like correct posture and timing for throws or ground work to be effective. His diligence and attention to detail may seem too much at first. However, it is very effective and results will show the difference! Our kids have been able to practice and keep up with experienced and foreign judokas because of the advanced skills and techniques learned from Nakano Sensei. We will continue to use his services to help us meet higher performance and competitive objectives.

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Name: A****** P******
Date: 2017-10-06 04:49:12
Rating: 5
Comment: Judo was introduced to me about 2 years ago. It was at this time I started attending Nakano Judo Academy by coincidence through mutual connections. Being new to the club, I found the atmosphere welcoming to all skill levels from beginners to well seasoned athletes. World class judoka and head instructor, Shintaro Nakano, was a member of the Japanese National Team and later taught judo at San Jose State University demonstrating his experience as both an athlete and a coach. His teaching style is meticulous with each technique broken down step by step, incorporates tips and tricks from experience, and shows a clear passion for the sport. With a variety of classes offered for kids, juniors, and seniors, the academy is suitable for anyone interested in learning and practicing judo. I highly recommend training here!

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Name: J*** R*******
Date: 2017-10-04 19:24:16
Rating: 5
Comment: I have had the opportunity to work with Nakano sensei one on one. He always has key, relevant insights that I can immediately incorporate. He is, honestly, one of the better teachers I have met and just an all around good person.I live north of Hwy 92 on the Peninsula so I dont get to train at his dojo regularly. But each time I have visited for a drop-in randori session, his students have been very welcoming.Nakano sensei spends just as much time with the kids and older novice players as he does with his black belts and elite, world class judokas.The Bay Area community is blessed to have him teaching here.

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Name: J*** M*****
Date: 2017-10-04 04:54:23
Rating: 5
Comment: My son trains with Shintaro, and all I can say is that Shintaro is the best - so much respect for him and Anthony Kwon. Shintaro knows how to gauge each student individually such that they learn the art of Judo at their own pace, while still making every student an integral part of the team. This requires knowledge, patience and a true passion to teach.

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Name: R****** M******
Date: 2017-10-03 04:59:01
Rating: 5
Comment: I have been with Nakano sensei since the academy opened. Great atmosphere and instruction. We get to train and learn from top Japanese players from time to time. It is open 5 days a week, which is rare around here. Makes it flexible for those of us that work different hours. I highly recommend giving it a try. There is always different black belts to work with as well.

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Name: J*** C*******
Date: 2017-10-02 19:06:16
Rating: 5
Comment: This is the best gym for Judo hands down. The environment is friendly while maintaining hard training. There are many different skill levels present. The head instructor Shintaro Nakano is not only a world class judoka but an excellent teacher. He is very thorough in passing on his knowledge and dedicates his time to all his students, regardless of skill level. I highly recommend training here. I believe there is a trial period if you wish to check it out!

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Name: M �*** F
Date: 2017-10-01 19:34:46
Rating: 5
Comment: Real Japanese Judo from a former member of the Japanese National Judo Team. Nakano-Sensei teaches proper judo techniques. Great attention is placed on the correctness of the techniques. I specially like the randori (judo sparring) sessions where I get a chance to work out with advanced competitors or people my own level . All levels of Judokas can be found in the Dojo: National Champions, Jr. National Champions, Senseis from other dojos, beginners, BJJ students, kids, teenagers, adults and seniors. This is also a family friendly place as there are many parent-child sets training in the dojo. Saturday morning is a Judo morning for my family, both my daughter and I attend the All-Level Judo class. Nakano Judo Academy trains at Caio Terra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school and the facility is top notch. There are two different spacious and well maintained mat areas. Mats are clean and constantly sanitized.I highly recommend this school for everyone who is curious about learning Judo. All levels and ages are welcomed.

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Name: Q**** D**
Date: 2017-10-01 08:25:22
Rating: 5
Comment: Nakano Judo Academy offers a wide range of programs for juniors, teens, and adults. Nakano Sensei and staff instructors bring professionalism and enthusiasm to every class. I have been training with the academy as a senior and have the opportunity to observe the junior classes, as well as the adult programs for both competition and technical judo. For the juniors, I see all of the kids learning sound judo techniques and having fun in the process. For teenagers who are aiming to become elite players, I have seen strong competition training with a wide range of body types to train with. For seniors, a safe, supportive, and constructive environment to achieve personal training goals. Most importantly, Nakano Judo Academy brings access to elite judo tradition and training techniques from the origin of the judo - Japan. In addition, Nakano Sensei takes advantage of his connections in Japan to offer to his students a unique opportunity to train at elite facilities in the country. I highly recommend the Nakano Judo Academy for anyone looking for a healthier lifestyle, to develop confidence, and if inspired, to pursue competition to test what they have learned.

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Name: R*** U***
Date: 2017-09-30 04:14:50
Rating: 5
Comment: Nakano Judo Academy is where me and my daughter train Judo. It is the best Judo program in the Bay Area and I will explain why.My daughter has practiced Judo for a few years before joining this program. She had one or two throws that she was good at but over the years she started loosing interest in the sport and started loosing confidence in herself to a point where she wanted to quit Judo completely. I talked to Sensei Nakano about this and he recommended a set of classes which are mostly focused on technique and not so much on randori. She has been with this club for more than a year now and I can see my daughter happy again going to Judo practice. She made friends and practices are fun too, but most important I can see her technique improved a lot both on the ground work as well as standing. This makes me and my wife very happy.I practiced Judo for a long time. Started in Europe and then later in the Bay Area. Coming from Europe it was only a dream to learn proper Japanese Judo. Even though I am a pretty decent fighter, my technique is not top level. I benefit a lot from his teachings and I am impressed how I could pick up new combinations and techniques, even at my age and with all my past habits. I knew Sensei Nakano from the time when he was coaching elite athletes at San Jose State but I could not attend that program because of the schedule. It is just a dream that I can now take his classes. His technique is so smooth that he makes it look so easy when he demonstrates a technique.I totally trust Nakano Sensei with the development of my daughter. He is a role model for me and everybody that loves Judo and sessions at his dojo are fun both for kids and adults at the same time.

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Name: S**** K**
Date: 2017-09-29 18:52:51
Rating: 5
Comment: Sensei Nakano is simply the best judo instructor you can find in the bay area, maybe in the US.His judo skills are very well known in the states, thanks to his many accomplishments as a judo athlete as well as a judo coach in the SJSU, to many US athletes and olympians.But, to me, his best ability is to be able to break down judo into laymans language. He understands there are more judo novices than accomplished judo players, and his teaching shows how much he cares for helping the novices and little children to be better judo players.I feel so lucky to be a part of such a great judo dojo, led by a great instructor and a person. I highly recommend this place without any hesitation.