Kodokan Youth Division (Judo)
About
A children's judo class held at the Kodokan dojo in Bunkyo City. Elementary school students in the Youth Division of the Kodokan school learn etiquette, breakfalls (ukemi), and basic movements through to throwing and grappling techniques; after joining, they first learn the basics in the general course and then move on to the special course. Ranks go from 7th kyu to 1st kyu, with promotion exams 3 times a year, and monthly matches and red-and-white matches. For children before elementary school, there is a preschool judo class on Saturdays.
Ages
The Youth Division is in principle for grade 1 and up. The Saturday preschool judo class is in principle for the second year of kindergarten and up (age 4), and children are accepted after an interview or similar confirms that they can follow the teacher's instructions. When they enter elementary school, they move to the Youth Division if they wish.
Monthly fees
| Youth Division monthly fee (dojo usage fee) | ¥5,500 |
The Youth Division monthly fee is ¥5,500 (whether tax is included is not stated). Practice is held every day except Sundays, holidays, and closed days, and many children attend 3–4 times a week. The preschool judo class has no monthly fee; you pay a day ticket of ¥880 on the days you come to practice. Prepare your own judo uniform and belt; beginner sets from each maker can be bought for under ¥10,000.
Fees when joining
For the Youth Division, a total of ¥14,500 is charged at the start: an admission fee of ¥8,000, an enrollment fee of ¥1,000, and the first month's fee of ¥5,500. For the preschool judo class, an admission fee of ¥8,000 is charged at the start. The admission procedure requires 1 photo (3 × 4 cm) and a personal seal (mitome-in). The admission fee can be paid by credit card only, and the procedure can also be done online.
Trial lessons and visits
For the preschool judo class, children can in principle try one practice before the procedure. The Youth Division can also be tried, and judo uniforms can be borrowed (laundry fee ¥300). To observe, ask at the dojo reception on the 4th floor.
Find a nearby class
Official class finder of Kodokan Youth Division (Judo) (Japanese)
Each item was checked on its official source page on 2026-11-12. Fees can change and may differ between locations. Before signing up, always check the official website of Kodokan Youth Division (Judo).