Marin Judo Academy

Marin Judo Academy offers Summer Camp, Kids Judo, Teens Classes, Adults Classes, Adult Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Karate, a Fitness Program, personal training, and boxing conditioning sessions. The program is described as structured and high-energy, with kids taking part in activities such as Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Karate, and boxing conditioning sessions. Boxing conditioning sessions are described as high-energy, challenging, and fun.

• Ages: 5–18 years old

Marin Judo Academy states that no experience is needed and that it offers a free trial. The academy describes itself as a safe, supportive environment and as Marin County’s premier destination for Judo training and personal growth, with comprehensive programs, experienced instructors, a community focus, and a convenient location.

Founder and Sensei Rodrigo Silveira began his Judo journey at age five in Brasília, Brazil, trained at Academia Peixoto under Marcelo Peixoto and Luciano Gonçalves for over a decade, studied under Sensei Tony Bonniche, and founded Marin Judo Academy. Head Judo Instructor Newton Casemiro holds a fourth-degree black belt (Yodan) in Judo, started training at age five, moved to the United States in 1997, earned his black belt in Albany, California, in 2003, is an active competitor and 2024 Senior National Championship (Veteran 3 division) winner, has been Head Instructor at Berkeley Judo Club since 2007, holds a fourth-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, began Jiu-Jitsu training in 2005 under Eduardo Fraga, has taught both kids and adults, 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 (1st Degree Black Belt) 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 in national and international competitions, served as Head Instructor of the Queen’s University Belfast Karate Club from 2010 to 2013, was graded to Sandan (3rd Degree Black Belt) in 2012, relocated to Marin County in 2013, has been teaching martial arts for the past ten years, currently holds the rank of Godan (5th Degree Black Belt), and carries the traditional titles of Shihan and Renshi. Karate Sensei Michael Cerio began formal training in martial arts in 2012 under Sifu Phil Derossiers, earned his Shodan grade in Tactical Kenpo Karate in 2018 and his Nidan grade in 2022, trained under Dave Newell Sensei in Dentokan Shorin Ryu Karate, earned his Shodan grade 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 a degree in Physical Education.

The academy’s mission states that it was founded to bring the traditional art of Judo back to Marin County and create a place where people grow through movement, discipline, and community. The mission also states that training at Marin Judo Academy develops balance, strength, and control while building confidence, respect, and resilience that extend beyond the mat, and that through Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and complementary fitness programs, students of all ages learn to move with purpose, focus under pressure, and grow as individuals. The mission further states that Marin Judo Academy welcomes children and adults into a supportive environment where character, discipline, and personal growth are just as important as physical skill.

Parent and student testimonials describe Marin Judo Academy as having professional, challenging, supportive, and inspiring instruction, a sense of community and friendships, and a friendly, welcoming vibe. Testimonials state that coaches are patient and friendly, that they channel kids’ high energy into a fun, positive, and structured environment, and that there is a great sense of community for both kids and parents. Parents report that their children have learned respect, kindness, good sportsmanship, discipline, the value of growth, and becoming better each day, and that they have made friends and look forward to sessions. One testimonial notes that Judo at Marin Judo Academy teaches safe falling and self-control and focuses on respect, discipline, and character.

Last updated May 29, 2026.