Marin Judo Academy

Marin Judo Academy offers training in Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Karate, boxing conditioning, and fitness programs. The program also includes a Summer Camp that is described as structured, fun, and active, with no prior Judo experience needed for campers.

• Ages: 5–18 years old

Marin Judo Academy is described as Marin County's premier destination for Judo training and personal growth, and as a place where kids move, learn, play, and grow in a safe, positive environment. The academy offers a free trial and emphasizes experienced instructors, comprehensive programs, a community focus, and a convenient location. Its Summer Camp is described as a structured, fun, and active program designed to help kids build confidence, coordination, and respect while staying engaged all summer long, and boxing conditioning sessions are described as high-energy, challenging, and fun, designed to help adults move better, feel stronger, and push past their limits.

Founder and Sensei Rodrigo Silveira began Judo at age five in Brasília, Brazil, training for over a decade at Academia Peixoto under Marcelo Peixoto and Luciano Gonçalves, and later studying under Sensei Tony Bonniche. Head Judo Instructor Newton Casemiro holds a fourth-degree black belt (Yodan) in Judo, started training at age five in Goiânia, Brazil, moved to the United States in 1997, earned his black belt in Albany, California in 2003, and serves as Head Instructor at Berkeley Judo Club; he also holds a fourth-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, began Jiu-Jitsu training in 2005 under Eduardo Fraga, was a high school championship wrestler from 1998–2001, and was inducted into the Albany High School Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2014. Head Karate Instructor Dave Newell began martial arts training in 2001 in Northern Ireland under Martin Rice Sensei, achieved Shodan in Dentokan Shorin Ryu Karate in 2007, earned a Bronze Medal in the Light Heavyweight division at the WCJJO World Sports Ju-Jutsu Championship in 2007, represented the Northern Ireland Karate Team, led the Queen’s University Belfast Karate Club from 2010 to 2013, graded to Sandan in 2012, relocated to Marin County in 2013, has been teaching martial arts for the past ten years, and currently holds the rank of Godan with the traditional titles of Shihan and Renshi. Karate Sensei Michael (Mike) Cerio began formal martial arts training in 2012 under Sifu Phil Derossiers, earned Shodan in Tactical Kenpo Karate in 2018 and Nidan in 2022, trained under Dave Newell Sensei in Dentokan Shorin Ryu Karate and earned Shodan in 2021, and has been teaching karate in Marin since 2018. Box Head Instructor Dmytro Pakhan is a seasoned amateur boxer with over 20 years of experience and holds a degree in Physical Education.

Marin Judo Academy was founded to bring the traditional art of Judo back to Marin County after decades without a dojo. Its mission states that Judo is viewed as more than a sport and as a way of life that balances mind and body, with training in Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and complementary fitness programs for students of all ages, and a supportive environment where character, discipline, and personal growth are described as just as important as physical skill. Newton Casemiro won the 2024 Senior National Championship in the Veteran 3 division, and Dave Newell’s Bronze Medal at the WCJJO World Sports Ju-Jutsu Championship is also noted among the academy’s credentials.

Last updated February 28, 2026.