A Taishi judoka landing a throw at a tournament
Torrance · South Bay · Since 2011

Build strength.Confidence.Character.

Competitive judo training for kids and adults in the South Bay. Technical Japanese judo, real conditioning, and a team that shows up for each other.

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501(c)(3) nonprofitUSA Judo & USJF affiliatedKids & adults
Taishi athletes, families and coaches together in team jerseys
Our story

About Taishi

Taishi (大志) means great ambition or high aspiration. Founded in 2011, we are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit built on a shared belief in the values of judo and the impact they have on and off the mat.

Our coaches support one another, our families support the whole team, and our athletes train, compete and volunteer together. That is Jita Kyoei (自他共栄): mutual welfare and benefit.

Read our story
More than judo

We develop athletes on and off the mat

Our program combines technical judo instruction, physical development, discipline and confidence in an environment built around continuous improvement.

技Waza

Technique

Learn effective, technically sound traditional Japanese judo, from your first breakfall to competition-ready throws.

心Kokoro

Heart

Build the spirit to keep going when it gets hard, respect for every partner, and a good heart that carries into school, work and home.

試合Shiai

Competition

Train with purpose and test yourself on the tournament mat when you are ready.

Programs

Find your place on the mat

Youth judo
Two young Taishi judoka gripping up at a tournament

Youth Judo

Fundamentals, confidence, discipline and functional athletic development for kids.

Ask about youth classes
Adult judo
An adult Taishi judoka landing a throw

Adult Judo

For beginners and experienced adults focused on fitness and technical skill.

Ask about adult classes
Schedule & fees
Taishi kids warming up on the mat with their coaches

Schedule & Fees

Class times for Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, monthly dues, and what to bring to your first class.

See schedule & fees
Taishi competitors on the podium with their medals
Competition team

Ready to compete?

Competitors train in the same classes as everyone else, then take that judo on the road. It is open to any student who wants it, kids and adults.

15Invitationals hosted
  • Travel local, regional and national events
  • Tournaments throughout the year, mostly on Sundays
  • Volunteer help run the annual Taishi Invitational
  • Refereeing learn the rules from the other side
  • Kata forms practice and kata competition
  • Team support families cheer for every Taishi judoka
Ask about competing
Senseis

Meet our senseis

Our instructors are dedicated to your growth on and off the mat.

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JWHead Sensei Jack Wada
Head Sensei

Jack Wada

Yondan · 4th Dan · 38+ years teaching

A National Level Coach whose judo began at Gardena Judo Club in 1964. His students all know his favorite instruction: “Turn your head!”

AB

Anne Bermudez

Nidan · 2nd Dan black belt
BW

Brent Wada

Shodan · 1st Dan black belt
LN

Leonard Noto

Ikkyu · 1st Kyu brown belt
ZS

Zack Shannon

Ikkyu · 1st Kyu brown belt
SV

Scott Vang

Nikyu · 2nd Kyu brown belt

Try a class

New students are welcome to try a class and see what judo is about. No experience needed. Wear athletic clothes with no zippers or buttons.

Book a trial class
@taishijudo

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