Judo Classes in Oakley, CA
The Gentle Way: A Martial Art Built on Technique, Timing, and Leverage
Judo is one of the most influential martial arts in the world. Developed in Japan by Dr. Jigoro Kano in 1882, Judo teaches students how to use balance, timing, leverage, and technique to overcome larger and stronger opponents.
The word "Judo" translates to "The Gentle Way," reflecting the philosophy that skill and efficiency are more important than brute force.
Today, Judo is practiced worldwide as an Olympic sport and remains one of the most effective systems for takedowns, throws, pins, and grappling.
At Growth Mindset Collective, our Judo program helps students develop confidence, coordination, athleticism, discipline, and real-world grappling skills in a safe and structured environment.
Why Train Judo?
Judo develops skills that benefit students both on and off the mats.
Physical Benefits
- Improved balance and coordination
- Increased strength and athleticism
- Better body awareness
- Safe falling and breakfall skills
- Improved mobility and conditioning
Mental Benefits
- Confidence under pressure
- Problem-solving skills
- Discipline and perseverance
- Respect for training partners
- Focus and self-control
Practical Benefits
Judo specializes in taking opponents to the ground using throws, trips, sweeps, and takedowns.
Students learn how to remain balanced while standing, how to control an opponent's movement, and how to safely fall when thrown.
These skills transfer exceptionally well to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, wrestling, self-defense, and other combat sports.
Choose Your Program
Adult Judo
Learn the fundamentals of Judo in a structured environment designed for adult students. Develop confidence standing, improve athleticism, and learn practical throwing and grappling skills.
Kids Judo
An age-appropriate program focused on confidence, discipline, coordination, respect, and athletic development through the practice of Judo.
YOUR COACH
Meet Your Instructor
Mr. Lucky Chan
Originally from Burma, Mr. Lucky Chan began training Judo because it was something he enjoyed doing with his friends. Inspired by the beauty and effectiveness of techniques like Uchi Mata, he quickly developed a passion for the art.
Today, Mr. Chan holds the rank of Second Degree Brown Belt under Kevin Butler at Tri-Valley Judo and has competed throughout California, including tournaments in Los Angeles, Fresno, Monterey, San Jose, and Modesto.
Beyond the mats, Mr. Chan is committed to serving his community through volunteer work, church programs, and food drives.
His teaching philosophy focuses on developing strong fundamentals and helping students understand that successful throws rely on proper timing, balance, and positioning—not simply strength.
Students can expect a welcoming environment where they learn the foundational skills of Judo while building confidence and athletic ability.
Brown Belt under Kevin Butler at Tri-Valley Judo
Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Many Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioners spend years learning how to grapple on the ground but never develop confidence in the standing phase of a match.
Judo fills that gap.
Students learn how to take opponents down, defend takedowns, maintain balance, and transition effectively into ground control.
Techniques such as O Soto Gari, Uchi Mata, foot sweeps, and grip fighting provide valuable tools that complement Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training and self-defense.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE MAT
Growth Mindset Collective runs structured, coached sessions — not open mat chaos. Every class has a plan, every round has purpose, and every student is accountable to the group.
STRUCTURED ROUNDS
Classes follow a consistent format: warm-up, technique instruction, positional drilling, and timed live rounds. You always know what's happening and why.
COACHED SPARRING
Instructors stay on the mat during live rounds — calling corrections, adjusting intensity, and making sure every roll is productive and safe.
EGO-FREE CULTURE
Experienced students are expected to develop newer ones — not dominate them. The mat culture here rewards technical growth, not gym politics.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Everything you need to know before your first class.
Do I need any experience to start?
No experience is required. Our Adult Judo program is built from the ground up for adults who have never trained before. You'll learn alongside other beginners in a structured, pressure-free environment.
What should I wear to my first class?
Comfortable athletic wear — board shorts, spats, a rash guard, or a t-shirt and gym shorts. You do not need a gi (uniform) for your first visit. We'll let you know what to get once you decide to continue.
How fit do I need to be before starting?
You don't need to be fit to start — jiu jitsu is how you get fit. Most beginners are surprised by the workout. Classes are paced to be challenging but manageable, and your conditioning improves naturally over your first few months.
What happens during a first class?
You'll be welcomed by Coach Mark or a senior student, given a brief orientation to the mat, and paired with a training partner at your level. You'll participate in the warm-up, watch the technique demonstration, and participate in drilling. New students typically ease into live randori (sparring) over their first few sessions.
Is training safe for beginners?
Yes. Live sparring for beginners is supervised and progressive — you won't be thrown into uncontrolled rounds your first day. Coaches monitor every roll and experienced students are instructed to train cooperatively with newer members.
How often should I train?
Two to three times per week is the recommended starting frequency for beginners. Consistency matters more than volume — showing up regularly three days a week will produce steady, visible progress within 60-90 days.
Start Training Judo in Oakley Today
Whether you're looking to improve your takedowns for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, learn an Olympic martial art, or introduce your child to a positive and challenging activity, Growth Mindset Collective's Judo program provides a welcoming place to begin.
No experience required. Your first class is free.