About Us

WJA is a unique and special place where all senseis are very knowledgeable and passionate about the sport and care deeply about teaching children every detail of every move, every throw, every technique. Also, I got to witness my 8 years old son gaining confidence and getting stronger physically and mentally. These are invaluable values ​​that he will carry into his adult life. As a father, I couldn't be happier to be a part of the WJA family.

Wonderful atmosphere and coaching. This dojo emphasizes respect and hard work. It is a wonderful place to learn this martial art.

Great dojo, best we have attended! Coaches, students, parents like a family here. My husband and son helped to build this dojo, my husband both attends adult classes and sometimes helps to teach kids. I enjoy our small parties. Looking forward to my little one will be old enough to start his practice.

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. The coaches are highly skilled and dedicated, always pushing us to improve our technique and performance. Additionally, the club has a strong sense of community, and I've met some great people since starting. The facilities are clean and well-maintained, providing a safe and supportive environment to train in. Overall, I'm very happy with my decision to join this club and am looking forward to continuing my Judo journey here.

WA Judo Academy is a great place to learn and train for judo no matter your age and skill level! My husband and both kids have been doing judo for many years and we love the environment of WJA. Because it is ran as a not for profit business, it is very focused on the needs of the community both within our own club but also fostering community with other dojos. This allows members to learn from and train with guest instructors and athletes. Whether you want to be competitive or just train to learn a new sport, WJA is the place for you. The youth program is highly competitive with many nationally ranked athletes and my husband enjoys the pace of the adult class. If you are like me and not interested in judo...there are constantly celebrations and parties to participate in so no one is ever left out!

Such a welcome, family like atmosphere. Great place to bring the whole family!

We started going to the toddler class at Washington Judo Academy a month ago and we absolutely love it there! Our son is just 2.5 yrs old and really enjoys the class. Everyone has been nothing but welcoming to our whole family. 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. We love our judo tot classes and are so glad we found them!

Both my 7-year-old daughter and my 3-year-old son attend the Washington Judo Academy. To all parents looking for engaging, quality extracurricular activities for their children, I can confidently say this place is one of the best, if not the best, that I have ever seen. What makes this place so exceptional for me are the following: 1) Each class is run by a judo sensei together with many additional judokas assisting and correcting the students. Thus, you'll often see one instructor for every two students (that's just an unbeatable student-teacher ratio!), which gives children sooo much individual attention you won't find anywhere else. They'll focus on each child the whole time, making them progress so much quicker. 2) The teaching skills of Sensei Tomoko are exceptional. She uses such a variety of teaching techniques, and I am in awe after each and every lesson- no two classes are the same. Every time, the children have a different obstacle course and very different activities; different judo techniques are being gradually introduced basing on what the children have already learnt - it's all very well thought out. On top of that, sensei Tomoko, as if by magic, has this ability to naturally and effortlessly keep all the kids smiling, engaged and following instructions at all times (which is no easy achievement with a bunch of 3/4-year-olds! Yet, they all love her!:). She's wise, charismatic and very experienced, too. 3) The sense of community at this dojo is second to none. The teachers and the other families are welcoming and supportive (the very first time I took my kids there, I was instantly welcomed by a mom who helped me dress my daughter and showed me how to tie the judo belt... and offered crepes for my son; the sensei found time after the class to welcome me personally and answer all my questions- I felt very welcome there). To know that these people are all volunteers and just do it to share their passion for the sport - it's really special... I feel very fortunate to have found them. Thank you, WJA!

Wonderful coaches and awesome program!!!Fantastic discipline and a serious attitude!

I like this dojo. My son and I have been going here since the beginning and this is the best school we have ever attended.