Two Jiu-Jitsu competitors working out. Photo by Timothy Eberly on

8 Best Martial Arts Schools in Tokyo, Japan


 

For thousands of years, the fundamental purpose of martial arts has been to defend yourself and the ones you love, while strengthening the mind, body, and spirit.

Today, people have enrolled on martial arts classes in large numbers.  It has become one of the perfect ways to exercise in a fun and practical way.

Martial arts not only help you to let off some steam but also instil invaluable traditional values such as patience, respect, and humility that will aid you in daily life.

The most well-known forms of martial arts originating in Japan are Karate, Kendo, Judo, and Aikido. Each of these forms of martial arts has different philosophies and goals that they teach.

One great way to experience some of Japan’s culture is to participate in martial arts lessons. Here are some of the best martial arts schools in Tokyo.

1. Kodokan Judo Institute

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This is the headquarters of the worldwide judo community. The kōdōkan was established in 1882 by Kanō Jigorō, the founder of judo.

The Kodokan Institute offers classes for those who want to master judo. The program is approved as a non-regular school by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

Part of its courses includes the theories and practice of judo and matters of general education. It is further divided into two parts: a general course for novices, and special courses for those who have completed the general course or its equivalent.

They offer accommodation for anyone wishing to practice judo where you can stay for up to three months at a reasonable rate.

Practical information:
Address: 1 Chome-16-30 Kasuga, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-0003
Website:

2. International Batto-do Shizan Association: Ryuseiken

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Another popular martial art in Japan is Kendo. Kendo involves hitting your sword.  Another version of it is “Iai-do” which focuses on drawing, attacking, and cutting with your sword.

One unoriginal form of Iai-do is called Batto-do which focuses on the way of drawing the sword. To train in this, you can go to Ryuseiken Batto-do’s main training hall in Tokyo.

Practical Information:
Website:
Address: 3-382 Mozuhonmachi, Kita-ku, Sakai-shi, Osaka 591-8036

3. Kyokushin Training Hall

Photo by Mats Sommervold on

Karate is indisputably the most popular martial art and it is generally the first that people think of at the mention of martial arts.

There are so many different styles of karate, therefore it would be impossible to find martial arts training places in every style.

This Kyokushin training hall conducts its classes in English, a feature that especially attracts foreign tourists. The instructor has held the title of Kyokushin Karate National Champion for the last three years in a row.

4. Japan Karate Association

Although most of these schools are specifically geared towards visitors, most will happily offer a trial lesson and lets you obverse the class. The schools are run independently so rules and fees vary from school to school.

True karate is based on Bushido. In true karate, the body, mind and spirit (the whole person) must be developed simultaneously.

In this academy, you will be trained to perform the techniques without thinking about them, and remain focused without having to concentrate on any one thing. In essence, they train your body to remember how to move and the mind remembers how to be still.

Practical information:
Website:
Address: 2-23-15 Koraku, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo

5. Tokyo Budokan

Two Jiu-Jitsu competitors working out. Photo by Timothy Eberly on

Budokan offers free trial lessons and there are ongoing karate classes for adults weekly. One catch here is that you need to have sports insurance.

The training hall here is friendly and open as long as you show an enthusiasm to learn. All you need to do is contact them beforehand and book your appointment.

Most importantly, it will be helpful to provide your country of origin, any languages you can speak, and previous experience in your desired martial art.

They have several training options for beginners. If you are experienced, you can also attend a class or two.

Budokan is a popular venue for Japanese professional wrestling and has hosted numerous other sporting events such as the 1967 Women’s Volleyball World Championship.

Practical information:
 Website:
Address: 2-3 Kitanomarukōen, Chiyoda, Tokyo 102-8321

6. Sendai Jiu-Jitsu Academy

Axis Jiu-Jitsu Academy’ was started by the first Japanese practitioner awarded a black belt by Rickson Gracie. Axis has produced 5 world champions and has held countless titles within Japan.

Lessons here are conducted by the instructors trained at the Axis Headquarters in Tokyo. You can receive top quality training and have all the newest techniques taught directly to you.

Their practice space is filled with ocean blue mats, which are made from the best material to cushion your fall. They also disinfect the mats regularly. Furthermore, the walls are also cushioned, to create a completely safe practice environment.

Practical information:
Website:
Address: Miyagi-ken, Sendai-shi, Miyagino-Ku, Haranomachi 3-1-8 Haranomachi Plaza, 2nd floor

7. Carpe Diem Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – Fukuoka

A Jiu-Jitsu class in session. Photo by Nolan Kent on

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art centred on sleeping in a dogi. It has gained worldwide popularity and is recognized as a lifelong sport that can be used by men and women of all ages.

Jiu-Jitsu trains your body while using your head and is a fun way of customizing your dogi fashionably.

Practical Information:
Website:
Address: 10-26 Reisenmachi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka 812-0039, Fukuoka City

8. Kickboxing gym at Rikix

Kickboxing punches and kick movements are said to secrete more adrenaline. The appeal of kickboxing is, that it can relieve stress that is good for your body.

At Rikix, the trainers are kind and supportive making it a pleasant experience. Unlike boxing, kickboxing uses the whole body, so not only the upper arm and shoulder blades are tightened, but also the buttocks and the back of the peach are raised. The twisting motion will tighten your body.

This is said to be one of the important growing environments for children who are growing both physically and mentally. Starting with meditation, the kids’ class provides an environment where they can learn various things through “experiences”.  

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