Est. 1953
Denver's Oldest Judo Club
USA Judo
Sanctioned Club
Colorado Judo League
Active Member
What We Offer
Regular Practice
Mondays and Thursdays, 6:30-8:00pm. Open to experienced kids and adults of all belt levels. Train alongside seasoned judoka in a supportive, disciplined environment rooted in 70+ years of tradition.
Beginner Classes
Eight-session orientation covering judo history, etiquette, basic movements, and ukemi (breakfalling). Registration required — sessions run quarterly. Students over 7 must demonstrate proficiency in breakfalling to advance to regular practice.
Tournament Competition
Compete through the Colorado Judo League in USA Judo sanctioned tournaments, including the annual Albert Tagawa Memorial Judo Championship hosted right here at DBT Judo.
Community Events
DBT Judo is woven into Denver's cultural fabric — from Cherry Blossom Festival and Dragon Boat Festival demonstrations to the Colfax Marathon relay team. We also host special clinics with guest instructors, including Olympian Travis Stevens.
1947 Lawrence St, Denver
The Oldest Judo Club in Denver
Founded in 1953 at the Denver Buddhist Temple, DBT Judo carries over 70 years of Japanese-American cultural heritage. Originally known as the Denver School of Judo, we are the longest-running judo program in the city.
Our practice is grounded in Jita Kyoei — mutual benefit and welfare. This principle, central to Jigoro Kano's teachings, means we train hard but safely, always looking out for one another on and off the mat.
Under the guidance of Sensei Thom Sakata, our club is affiliated with the Colorado Judo League and USA Judo. We welcome judoka of all levels, from complete beginners to seasoned competitors, and serve communities across Denver and Northglenn.
DBT Judo is more than a training ground. We are a cultural anchor — participating in Cherry Blossom and Dragon Boat festivals, hosting the Albert Tagawa Memorial Championship, and supporting the DBT Judo Senseis Memorial Scholarship for the Japanese American community.
Our Guiding Philosophy
"Judo teaches us to look for the best possible course of action, whatever the individual circumstances, and helps us to understand that worry is a waste of energy."
— Jigoro Kano, Founder of Judo
Events & Tournaments
DBT Judo hosts and competes in tournaments through the Colorado Judo League. Stay connected for upcoming events, clinics, and community festivals.
Albert Tagawa Memorial Championship
Annual USA Judo sanctioned tournament hosted at DBT Judo, honoring the legacy of Sensei Albert Tagawa. Open to judoka of all ages and belt levels.
Community Festivals & Clinics
From Cherry Blossom and Dragon Boat festivals to special training clinics with guest instructors like Olympian Travis Stevens, DBT Judo stays active in Denver's community.
Ready to Step on the Mat?
Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced judoka, DBT Judo welcomes you. Join Denver's oldest judo club and become part of a tradition that spans over seven decades.
Visit the Dojo
Denver Buddhist Temple
1947 Lawrence St, Denver, CO 80216
Practice Times
Monday & Thursday: 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Beginner class times vary by quarter
How to Join DBTJ
Sign Up
Complete the online registration form (one per student). Class schedules are quarterly — reach out for scheduling.
Pay Dues
Submit payment for the number of members in your household. Your application is confirmed once payment is received.
Get USA Judo Membership
A current USA Judo membership is required before your first class. Register at usajudo.com.
Parking Information
There is a parking garage at the Denver Buddhist Temple. On Monday nights, members with a parking pass hang tag do not need to input a parking pass code at the kiosk.
Enter through the garage entrance on level 2 — please do not use the alley doorway. On Rockies game nights, you may need to access the gym via level 2 of the parking garage.