Expert Instruction
Our instructors are certified black belts with years of coaching and competition experience. They are passionate about Judo and committed to helping each student reach their full potential.
Your path to Olympic Gold
Bakersfield Kodokan Judo Club is a proud member and judo training facility under the USA Judo. USA Judo is the National Governing Body (NGB) and member of the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee. USA Judo enables all United States athletes a pathway to achieve sustained competitive excellence in domestic and international judo competition, and the promotion and growth of the sport of Judo in the United States. multiple national and international champions, and USA Judo continues to build their legacy of excellence every day.
Why Judo?
1. Belts and Ranking:
Belts are a great way to help children track their progress and motivate them to strive higher. Belts and ranking may help build the child’s confidence and their desire to succeed. In many cases the first belt promotion can be attained in few weeks and when children obtain that first belt, it shows them that with the right motivation, they can succeed.
2. Self-Confidence:
As children become more skillful their confidence gets increased significantly. They become more self-assured and confident.
3. Exercise:
Class will often be comprised of warm-up calisthenics, teaching and practicing of moves. The warm up and practice include the bulk of the time, and for that time your child will be constantly on the go. The workout each child gets will not only assist in the natural development of his/her muscles, but also help them build stronger Cardio-Vascular systems.
4. Emphasis on Individual Achievement within a positive peer group setting:
In judo, each child’s success is based on his or her own individual qualities. Knowing that their own ambition and hard work will drive them to succeed, they will be motivated to follow their dreams. Also, judo is one of the few sports that individuals can only improve through the positive interaction and training with others.
5. Discipline:
There is constant repetition in drills and practices with emphasis on details and rhythm. Moves are practiced and repeatedly. This instruction instills the benefits of frequent practice, and the patience in self- development to achieve a goal. Through this process, children are taught to respect one another, their opponents and colleagues, and how to play games fair and square.
6. Gender Equity:
Many parents consider martial arts for their sons, not nearly as many would consider it for their daughters. However, judo is one of the few sports where both boys and girls can play together. In fact, female judo players in the United States tend to have greater competitive success internationally than their male counterparts.
7. Respect for Strength:
A question parents often have when they send their kids to judo class is: “Is my child going to use this to hurt others?” Although this is a legitimate concern, it is always addressed early by instructors who remind students that the techniques they learn in the dojo stay in the dojo and should not be used to intimidate people. As children learn the ropes, they will learn to respect their newfound strength and techniques.
More Than A Sport
The word judo consists of two Japanese characters, ju, which means "gentle," and do, which means "the way." Judo, therefore, literally means the way of gentleness.
But, beyond the development of physical prowess and athletic ability, judo students learn much more. They learn how to control their feelings, emotions, and impulses though the judo moral code. They learn about values of perseverance, respect, loyalty, and discipline. Through their experience, they learn about politeness, modesty, and many other wonderful values that contribute to their development as successful citizens of society.Our state-of-the-art training facility features a full range of equipment and resources to help you achieve your Judo goals. From our spacious mat area to our weight room and locker rooms, we've got everything you need to train and compete at the highest level.
Our Instructors & Your Wellbeing
The safety of all our students is the most important priority at our club, All Bakersfield Kodokan Judo Club instructors are fully vetted with a criminal background check, undergoes the U.S. Center of Safe Sports initiatives, policies, and programs, primarily aimed at preventing and addressing misconduct like emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, bullying, and hazing within the sports community, especially in the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Movement, to ensure athletes of all ages have a safe, respectful environment. It involves education, reporting mechanisms, and enforcing accountability for all participants, from athletes and coaches to parents and organizations. All coaches also undergo the U.S. CDC "Heads Up" training program, a comprehensive initiative providing education, training, and resources for coaches, to recognize, prevent, and manage concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
