Est. Early 1900s
About Seattle Dojo
North America's First Judo Dojo
Seattle Dojo stands as the oldest judo facility in the United States, established in the early 1900s. The organization relocated multiple times before constructing its present building during the 1930s — built by first-generation Japanese Americans and designed by architect Kichio Allen Arai in 1934. The structure features frame construction mounted on truck springs, literally giving the floor spring action under foot.
The founder of judo, Professor Jigoro Kano, visited this dojo in 1936 and 1938.
The club organized its inaugural tournament in 1903 and sponsored competitions from 1907 through 1941. Operations ceased during World War II following the internment of Seattle's Japanese American community. The dojo reopened January 1, 1947, and the annual tournament has continued without interruption since 1953.
Historical Milestones
- 1903
First regional judo tournament organized. Pioneer instructor Itaro Kono, a 2nd Dan black belt, arrived November 29, 1905.
- 1907
First Northwest regional tournament held March 1907. Tokugoro Ito, a professional wrestler, made the club his headquarters (1907–1911).
- 1932
Kodokan leader Jigoro Kano visited the dojo in 1932.
- 1934
Present building constructed by first-generation Japanese Americans. Architect: Kichio Allen Arai. Frame construction mounted on truck springs for a sprung training floor.
- 1936 & 1938
Professor Jigoro Kano, founder of judo, visited the dojo. Washington teams competed against California in national tournaments.
- 1942–1946
Dojo closed due to WWII and the forced internment of Seattle’s Japanese American community.
- 1947
Dojo reopened January 1, 1947. Key figures: Toru Araki, Akira “Poison” Kato, Hiromu “Kelly” Nishitani, and Dick Yamasaki.
- 1953
First post-war tournament — the first Pacific Northwest tournament in which women competed. Annual tournament has continued uninterrupted ever since.
- 1954
A Seattle team won first place at the US National AAU judo championships.
Notable Instructors (Historical)
Iitaro Kono, Tokugoro Ito, R. Fukuda, Daisuke Sakai, Eitaro Suzuki, Masataro Shibata, Hideo Hama, Hiroshi Kurosaka, Yasuyuki Kumagai, Isamu “Sam” Furuta, Shuzo “Chris” Kato, Fred Sato, and Kenji Yamada.
Associated Regional Dojos
- Tacoma (1917)
- Fife (1923)
- Eatonville (1938)
- South Park (1924)
- White River (1927)
- Green Lake (1932)
- Bainbridge Island (1932)
- Yakima Valley (1935)
Train With Us Today
Seattle Dojo offers classes six days a week for juniors and adults of all experience levels. Visitors are always welcome.