DeLeon Judo Club logo DeLeon Judo Club

Judo classes in Petaluma

Open to all ages from 6 up and all abilities. Kids and adults train at the same time.

When
Where

Herzog Hall

175 Fairgrounds Drive, Petaluma

Get directions
Cost

Family discounts when more than one person in a household trains.

Sign up

Through Petaluma Parks & Rec

Search "Judo" in their online catalog, or go to their office.

Register
Students in white gis and their families posing for a group photo on blue mats

Everyone is welcome.

We admit students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, religion or disability, and we treat every person on our mat fairly and with respect.

If you want to learn judo, there's a place for you here.

What a class is like.

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 7:00 pm, from the first bow to the last.

Students in orange and blue belts standing in a line on the mats, watching Sensei Henry demonstrate a movement
Beginners

Every student starts with ukemi, falling safely.

It's one-on-one with an instructor. Next come your first throw and pin. Chokes and armlocks wait until students reach the age the rules allow.

Warm-ups

We bow in and warm up together.

Fundamentals

We practice breakfalls and throws.

You're paired by size and experience.

Lessons

We go through a few aspects of judo each class.

Several instructors teach, and kids may play some games.

Randori

Some days we practice against a resisting partner.

It comes in gradually, at a pace matched to the student.

Tradition

We learn the philosophy and traditions of judo and Japan.

Sensei means teacher, and senpai means a senior student.

Belts

There's no fixed timetable.

You're promoted when your technique and knowledge are ready, and a belt here is never bought or given for participating.

Keys to good training

Habits that serve you from your first class on.

  • Come regularly

    Steady practice is what moves you forward.

  • Be patient

    You're promoted when your technique is ready, with no fixed timetable.

  • We're here to train

    Competition is good, but training comes first.

  • Keep your gi clean

    Wash it between classes, so it's fresh every time you step on the mat.

  • Mind your hygiene

    You train up close. Trim your nails, leave your jewelry off and tie back long hair.

  • Show respect

    Bow every time you step on or off the mat, and to every partner.

  • Keep working on your falls

    It's the skill students use most, on and off the mat.

  • Look after each other

    Throw so your partner can land safely. Tap early, and let go when they tap.

  • Ask questions

    Instructors are happy to talk before or after class.

Traditional judo

We teach in line with USJF and Kodokan standards, starting with how to fall.

  • An instructor in a black gi throwing a partner on a blue mat while black belts watch

    Nage-waza

    Throws from standing, foot techniques and sacrifice throws.

  • Two adult judoka in a pin on a blue mat

    Ne-waza

    Groundwork: pins, armlocks and other submissions.

  • Two judoka gripping on a blue mat while families watch from chairs

    Randori

    Optional free practice and competition prep.

Coming from BJJ? Our chokes and armlocks will feel familiar.

Taught by national-level black belts.

Sensei Henry has led our classes since 2007, and Sensei Davin started here at age 5 in 1992. Both are certified USA Judo coaches and USJF Regional Referees. Other black belts mentor students in every class, and the club has trained national champions.

Meet our instructors
  • Sensei Henry laughing during class

    Sensei Henry Kaku

    6th dan, head instructor

  • Sensei Davin in a white gi with the DeLeon Judo Club patch, standing outdoors in sunglasses and looking into the distance

    Sensei Davin Tillman

    5th dan, assistant head instructor

We're SafeSport and concussion certified.

Our affiliations

Rank earned here counts anywhere.

We belong to CENCO, the Central Coast Judo Association. It's our yudanshakai, a regional black belt association of ten member clubs, where rank is examined and tournaments and clinics are organized.

Two of our senseis help lead it. Sensei Henry chairs the Board of Examiners, which oversees rank standards across the clubs. Sensei Davin is President of the Board of Managers, which runs its tournaments, clinics and business.

Rank is certified through the USJF, so a belt earned in Petaluma is recognized at any club in the country.

Two young judoka grappling on a red mat in front of a crowd

Competition is encouraged but not mandatory.

Students who never compete progress through the same curriculum. We encourage it, kids especially, and we'll make sure a student is ready first. Competitors prepare for regional tournaments in class, with extra Monday sessions by appointment. Ask Sensei Henry or Sensei Davin after class to set one up.

Community and events

We've served Petaluma since 1970.

  • A large club group photo in a hall with a domed ceiling

    Part of Petaluma

    The community center's longest-running martial arts class.

  • A judoka in white throwing a partner in a blue gi on a stage

    Guest schools

    Aikido, tai chi, kung fu and BJJ schools visit to demonstrate.

  • A judoka in a blue gi upside down mid-throw at an outdoor demonstration

    Clinics & events

    We host and sponsor clinics with well-known judoka.

Start in three steps.

You can try a class first, with no commitment.

  1. Come watch or try a class

    No appointment and no cost.

  2. Register with Parks & Rec

    Search "Judo" in their online catalog, or go to their office.

  3. Wear athletic clothes

    No zippers or buttons. We'll help you get a gi later.

Questions & FAQs

Questions are always welcome, before or after any class.

Am I too old to start?

No. Classes are open from age 6 up, with no upper limit.

Can I join if I have a disability?

Yes. People of all abilities train with us. Talk to an instructor about what you'd like to do.

Do I have to compete or do randori?

No. Both are your choice, and nobody is pushed into anything unfamiliar.

How is judo different from BJJ?

BJJ grew out of judo, so the submissions are similar. Judo puts more emphasis on throws.

Do you offer family discounts?

Yes, when more than one person in a household trains. Ask an instructor or check the Parks & Rec catalog.

See all FAQs

Your first class is just showing up.

Register via Parks & Rec Get directions

Tuesday or Thursday at 5:30 pm, in sweatpants and a t-shirt.