Nakano Judo Academy
Nakano Judo Academy, 2072 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95050
About
Nakano Judo Academy offers daily classes that include technical classes, conditioning and strength classes, and private lessons. The program also offers a summer camp, clinics, a Hawaii judo camp, and a Japan Study Camp & Tour. Nakano Judo Academy is described as a family dojo where everyone is welcome.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: Classes are scheduled daily.
Nakano Judo Academy follows a traditional Japanese curriculum with a focus on mind, techniques, and body development. It is described as the Home of Japanese Judo in the Bay Area and offers a program for every path from beginner to black belt, including an introductory curriculum designed specifically for absolute beginners. The academy leads in both training and judo research and shares expert insights on YouTube. It offers camps and clinics to prepare students for competition, a Hawaii judo camp that includes a fully guided tour to learn about judo history in Hawaii, and a Japan Study Camp & Tour in Japan, the birthplace of judo. The program states that the first step onto the mat is free with a bookable free class.
Founder and Chief Sensei Shintaro Nakano is a Kodokan/United States Judo Federation 6th DAN Black Belt and a Kodokan 6th Dan Black Belt born in Miyazaki, Japan. He was an eight-time member of the Japanese National Judo Team and served as a judo coach at San Jose State University, one of North America’s premier collegiate judo programs. Megumi Ishikawa is a former Japan National Team member and a former Japanese Judo National Team member, and serves as Youth High Performance Guest Coach and instructor for the Kids & Junior Judo Program. Nakano Judo Academy is respected nationally and globally and is described as one of America’s top judo schools.
The mission statement of Nakano Judo Academy describes its traditional Japanese curriculum as a blend of physical fitness, mental discipline, and community spirit, and calls it a new foundation for confidence and health. Community involvement includes leading a judo athletic exchange program through the Hawaii judo camp and offering the Japan Study Camp & Tour as a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Japan, the birthplace of judo. A testimonial from Yoshihiro Uchida, America’s first Olympic Judo Coach, states that Shintaro Nakano brings the Japanese version of judo to San Jose State University Judo, emphasizing speed in execution, and describes him as showing what true judo looks like.
Last updated March 7, 2026.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: Classes are scheduled daily.
Nakano Judo Academy follows a traditional Japanese curriculum with a focus on mind, techniques, and body development. It is described as the Home of Japanese Judo in the Bay Area and offers a program for every path from beginner to black belt, including an introductory curriculum designed specifically for absolute beginners. The academy leads in both training and judo research and shares expert insights on YouTube. It offers camps and clinics to prepare students for competition, a Hawaii judo camp that includes a fully guided tour to learn about judo history in Hawaii, and a Japan Study Camp & Tour in Japan, the birthplace of judo. The program states that the first step onto the mat is free with a bookable free class.
Founder and Chief Sensei Shintaro Nakano is a Kodokan/United States Judo Federation 6th DAN Black Belt and a Kodokan 6th Dan Black Belt born in Miyazaki, Japan. He was an eight-time member of the Japanese National Judo Team and served as a judo coach at San Jose State University, one of North America’s premier collegiate judo programs. Megumi Ishikawa is a former Japan National Team member and a former Japanese Judo National Team member, and serves as Youth High Performance Guest Coach and instructor for the Kids & Junior Judo Program. Nakano Judo Academy is respected nationally and globally and is described as one of America’s top judo schools.
The mission statement of Nakano Judo Academy describes its traditional Japanese curriculum as a blend of physical fitness, mental discipline, and community spirit, and calls it a new foundation for confidence and health. Community involvement includes leading a judo athletic exchange program through the Hawaii judo camp and offering the Japan Study Camp & Tour as a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Japan, the birthplace of judo. A testimonial from Yoshihiro Uchida, America’s first Olympic Judo Coach, states that Shintaro Nakano brings the Japanese version of judo to San Jose State University Judo, emphasizing speed in execution, and describes him as showing what true judo looks like.
Last updated March 7, 2026.
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