Judo in the Northwest

Seattle Dojo, the oldest dojo in the United States, was established in 1902. The club moved several times until the present dojo was built in the 1930's by issei's (first generation Japanese Americans). Professor Jigoro Kano visited the dojo in 1934. Seattle Dojo hosted its first judo tournament in 1903. The Dojo sponsored many more tournaments from 1907 to 1941, but was forced to close its doors during World War II. After the war, Seattle Judo Dojo reopened in 1948 and hosted its first annual post-war tournament in 1953. Seattle Dojo has continued to host this annual tournament every year to the present day.

Head sensei is Kenji Yamada (8th Dan) and instructors include Alan Yamada, Harold Yamada, and Michael Yamada from his family of judo enthusiasts. Other instructors are Beau Calman, Curt Mochizuki, Joe Weber, Tri Hoang, Art Oki, MasayukiYamada, Dave Fukuhara, Karen Nagai, Jason Coglon, John Shimabukuro, Lisa Calman-Stevens, and Ryotaoru Oki.

The club meets Monday and Thursday evenings; Juniors from 7:00 PM to 8:30, and Seniors take over and go to 10:00 PM. The Dojo is located at 1510 S. Washington St in Seattle. For more information you can contact Kenji Yamada at 206-725-1280.

You can visit Seattle Dojo’s web site here @ www.seattlejudo.org

Website Created and Published by Dick Barnes (Judokan Dojo) and Sam Emmons (Zenyu Dojo)

Email Dick Barnes at Dbarnes@freelandgroup.com to add your club to this site