Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premier Judo Training in Costa Mesa, CA
Bunasawa Kai Judo was founded in 1972 by Nori Bunasawa, a 9th-dan judo master and former All Japan weight limit champion. Our dojo emphasizes personal growth through disciplined training in judo, jiu-jitsu, MMA, and self-defense. Since our inception, we have prioritized technical precision and character development for all age groups. Nori Bunasawa studied under renowned figures like Masahiko Kimura and Kenji Tomiki, bringing decades of expertise to our programs. We operate in a welcoming environment at the Higashi Honganji Temple in Costa Mesa, California, with a satellite location in Temecula.Our approach blends traditional wisdom with modern techniques, ensuring members refine their skills effectively. We tailor training to individual abilities, whether beginners or competitive athletes. Our instructors combine global experience with local accessibility, making high-level martial arts education available to all. With over 50 years of collective teaching experience, we remain committed to nurturing excellence. Our philosophy centers on continuous self-improvement rather than comparison to others, reflecting the core values that have guided us since 1972.
Services
Judo Classes
Jukkendo Training
MMA Instruction
Self-Defense Workshops
Online Video Courses
Tournament Coaching
Rank Testing Programs
Youth Development
Dojo Merchandise
Satellite Location Training
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- We offer over 50 years of combined teaching experience from certified judo masters.
- Our founder trained directly with legendary martial artists like Masahiko Kimura.
- We provide personalized programs tailored to individual skill levels and goals.
- Our Costa Mesa dojo is California's home of authentic Jukkendo methodology.
- We serve all age groups with a proven curriculum for technical excellence.
What people say
Best Judo school
Top notch
Dedication of all Sensei's
Highly recommended
Legendary Kimura connection
Services
Judo Classes
Our judo program cultivates physical discipline and mental focus through traditional techniques. Instructors emphasize proper form, competition strategies, and character development for students aged five and up. With structured beginner to advanced classes, participants build foundational skills while progressing at their own pace in a supportive environment.
Jukkendo Training
Jukkendo combines classical judo principles with modern combat applications for practical self-protection. This specialized system teaches effective striking, grappling, and situational awareness techniques. Students learn to adapt movements to real-world scenarios while maintaining traditional martial arts values of respect and restraint.
MMA Instruction
Our MMA program integrates stand-up judo with ground-fighting techniques for comprehensive martial arts development. Training includes sparring sessions, conditioning drills, and strategy analysis to enhance competitive performance. The curriculum benefits both aspiring fighters and those seeking cross-disciplinary proficiency.
Online Courses
Digital judo courses provide structured learning from white belt to black belt progression. Video libraries cover throws, groundwork, and defense techniques with detailed breakdowns. Subscribers receive exclusive e-book resources and access to periodic content updates for continuous skill development.
Youth Development
Structured programs for ages five to fifteen focus on technical fundamentals and positive character growth. Instructors tailor instruction to different skill levels, emphasizing safe practice and progressive achievement. Young students develop confidence, discipline, and physical coordination in an encouraging atmosphere.
People
Nori Bunasawa
Founder & Head Instructor
9th-dan Kodokan judo master with 45+ years teaching experience, former All Japan champion, and 1975 U.S. World Team coach. Studied under legendary martial artists Masahiko Kimura and Kenji Tomiki at Waseda University.
Mark B
Parent
Testifies to the dojo's personalized approach and effective training programs that adapt to children's individual abilities and goals over two years of enrollment.
Allen W
Student
Highlights the exceptional quality of instruction and the dojo's welcoming environment for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioners seeking judo proficiency.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We offer traditional judo, Jukkendo (Maeda-style jiu-jitsu/MMA), and self-defense techniques in both stand-up and ground-fighting applications.
Who is Nori Bunasawa?
Our founder is California's youngest 9th-dan judo master, a former All Japan championship competitor, and direct student of legendary martial artists Masahiko Kimura and Kenji Tomiki.
Where are your locations?
Our main dojo operates at 254 Victoria St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627 with satellite training available at 38397 Innovation Ct Ste 103, Murrieta, CA 92563.
What age groups do you accept?
We welcome students aged five and up, with separate junior classes for ages 5-15 and senior classes for participants 16 and older.
Do you offer flexible payment options?
Yes, we provide monthly membership plans, short-term e-book access, and both physical and digital training resources to accommodate different learning preferences.
How do I start training?
Visit our website to sign up for a free week pass allowing trial access to all classes before committing to membership.
Reviews (4)
Cary O.
Mar 09, 2017
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Judo and self-defense for everyone! Come and learn in a safe environment that is family friendly and if you also want to learn competition techniques for judo and BJJ. Sensei and his staff have partnered with other BJJ schools to teach takedown techniques. There are no egos here. Everyone helps each other out to get better.
Mark B.
Mar 08, 2017
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The best Judo school in Orange County! Bunasawa Sensei is the only 9th Dan in California. His knowledge of technique, strategy, and tournament coaching is truly remarkable. His program for kids is unparalleled. We have been attending for almost two years now. Sensei will tailor the program to your child's ability and ambition. For a great start or continuation of Judo; there is no substitute for the experience and dedication of all the Sensei's at this Dojo.
Nick F.
Jun 08, 2015
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Sensei Bunasawa has top notch Judo technique and is a great teacher. Classes here are a lot of fun! There is a great kids program and the adult classes can be very fun when all of the competitors are in town. If you want to learn real competition Judo and take it to the next level, this is the place. Also a great place for BJJ players to get some stand up coaching.
Dr. W.
Aug 31, 2014
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This is BY FAR the BEST judo club in the Orange County area. Although I live in Riverside, I travel to OC, Costa Mesa and Huntington Beach during tournament season for BJJ training, but the Nori Bunasawa Judo Club is my home for competition Judo training.
Bunasaw Kai is EXTREMELY friendly to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu players looking to work on their stand-up judo game. Interested in training with legit BJJ history? Nori Bunasawa was a direct training partner and student of Kimura. yes, THAT Kimura!
Players in the club include multiple IJF Judo Masters World Championship champions and medalists
Bunasaw Kai is EXTREMELY friendly to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu players looking to work on their stand-up judo game. Interested in training with legit BJJ history? Nori Bunasawa was a direct training partner and student of Kimura. yes, THAT Kimura!
Players in the club include multiple IJF Judo Masters World Championship champions and medalists
