KIDS JUDO NYC - Upper West Side

Kids Judo Classes NYC - Upper West Side

Kokushi Budo Institute has been teaching judo to children in New York City since 1963. Our kids judo program on Manhattan’s Upper West Side builds confidence, discipline, coordination, and respect in a safe, structured environment.

Located at 331 Riverside Drive near Columbia University and the 1 train at 103rd Street, we serve families across the Upper West Side, Morningside Heights, and all over the city.

A Safe and Structured Training Environment

Safety is our highest priority. All classes are supervised by experienced instructors and structured by age and ability level.

Children learn proper falling techniques before any throwing practice, and all partner work is closely monitored to ensure control and respect.

Our mats are professionally maintained, and classes are designed to build skill and confidence without unnecessary risk.

This fundamental principle of Judo is “maximum efficiency.”

Age-Based Kids Judo Programs

We organize our children’s judo classes by age and developmental stage to ensure every student receives the right level of instruction and attention.

Tiny Champs (Ages 4–5)

Our youngest students focus on:

  • Listening skills and structure

  • Balance and coordination

  • Basic falling safely (ukemi)

  • Confidence and classroom discipline

Classes are energetic, positive, and built around short attention spans while maintaining structure and respect.

Kids 1 (Ages 6–9)

At this stage, students begin learning:

  • Fundamental judo throws

  • Ground techniques

  • Controlled partner drills

  • Belt progression system

This group builds real technical skill while reinforcing discipline, focus, and teamwork.

Kids 2 (Ages 10+)

Older students train with increased structure and intensity, including:

  • Advanced throwing combinations

  • Groundwork strategy

  • Controlled sparring (randori)

  • Competition preparation (optional)

Students develop physical strength, resilience, and leadership skills.

Teen Training Path

Teen students may train in the Kids 2 program or transition into adult classes depending on maturity, experience, and goals. This flexible pathway allows serious students to continue progressing at a higher level.

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A man and a young girl in judo uniforms sitting on black mats, wearing face masks, in a room with a white brick wall and a colorful stripe of martial arts belts on the wall.
Children in judo uniforms standing in a line on judo mats during a ceremony or competition, with spectators seated in the background.
Children sitting on the mat while a martial arts instructor demonstrates techniques in a dojo. The children are wearing gis and colored belts, and the dojo has a wooden panel wall with a large logo of 'KOKUSHI' and 'BUDO' on a banner.

The Guiding Principles of our Program:
The Dojo Kun

At Kokushi Budo, our children’s judo program is built on four core values:

Sei (Sincerity)
Students learn honesty, respect, and trust — in themselves, their classmates, and their instructors.

Kinro (Hard Work)
We teach that progress is earned. There are no shortcuts. Discipline and effort build real confidence.

Kenshi (Knowledge)
Children gain awareness, understanding, and responsibility through structured martial arts training.

Kihaku (Spirit)
We develop inner strength — resilience, courage, and perseverance that extends beyond the dojo.

At KBI, we do more than teach judo. We build character.