East Bay Judo Institute

East Bay Judo Institute offers Beginning Children’s Class lessons that teach falling safely, basic pins, newaza, footsweeps, and free practice. It also offers Children’s Class for white/yellow belts and up, Intermediate Children’s Class, Adult Class, and Advanced Competition Class. Beginning Children’s Class meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:00-5:00 pm and Saturdays from 9:00-10:00 am, and it is priced at $100 per month.

Programs

• Beginning Children’s Class (WHITE BELTS) — Children from 5 years old; no upper age limit stated · Mondays and Wednesdays 4:00-5:00 pm; Saturdays 9:00-10:00 am · $100 per month · Teaches basic Judo skills, including falling safely, basic pins, newaza, footsweeps, and free practice; emphasis on respect, good behavior, safety, energy, and fun.
• Children’s Class (W/Y BELTS AND UP) — Children from 5 years old; no upper age limit stated · Mondays and Wednesdays 5:00-6:00 pm; Saturdays 9:00-10:00 am · $100 per month · Children’s judo class for white/yellow belts and up.
• Intermediate Children’s Class — Children from 5 years old; no upper age limit stated · Monday and Wednesday 6:00-7:30 pm; Saturdays 10:00 am-noon · $100 per month
• Adult Class — Adults and teens of all ages and levels; no upper age limit · Tuesdays 7:00-8:30 pm · $100 per month · Recreational judo class with basic technical fundamentals, controlled free practice, kata, basic self defense, and dojo activities.
• Advanced Competition Class — No age limit stated · Mondays and Wednesdays 6:00-7:30 pm; Fridays 4:30-6:00 pm; Saturdays 10:00 am-noon · $125 per month · Intensive training for elite athletes; emphasizes rigorous practice, repetition, endurance, plyometric drills, randori, competition preparation, and advanced judo practice.

At a glance

• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Price range: $100–$125 per month

About the provider

East Bay Judo Institute was originally founded as the Berkeley Judo Club in the early 1960s, moved to El Cerrito in January 1991, and then changed its name. Dan Israel is the head instructor, and David Matsumoto is the founder and program advisor. The program states that it is dedicated to the teaching of Kodokan Judo and emphasizes personal development through technical training over competition results.

No upper age limit stated. There is a drop-in fee of $20 per class. Family discounts are available. No student discounts at this time. USJF membership is required for all members. Fundraisers and donations are mentioned but are not required for membership.

What families say

“East Bay Judo institute has been a place of growth for my family. My husband and three children are students there, and our wonderful friends there supported us with meals and more through my cancer treatments. Everyone shows up for one another on and off the judo mat, keeping us all in shape! Can’t say enough good things.” — Abby Ejigu

“I highly recommend the East Bay Judo Institute! The EBJI dojo is very committed to family and to the judo community. They prioritize giving back, developing positive character, and they run a fun but structured environment. Our son has thrived in this space and we as parents have made some wonderful friendships.” — Kristen Denver

“EBJI is an integral part of my life as well as my daughter’s life. The judo families and kids have formed a positive support system to help each of us grow and overcome challenges on and off the mat.” — Brenna Clark

Last updated October 5, 2026.