Anyone trained judo in Japan?

[akiraB]

Any recommendations as to clubs?

[Judo Possum]

I'm in Tokyo training now. You cant just turn up at a dojo and play, you have to be introduced and invited before they will normally let you through the door! Most of the best dojo are university, police or corporate ones.
A few good dojos include Tsukuba uni (good if your a lightweight), Tokai uni (most famous and good for middle heavy guys), Meiji uni (Heavier guys), also the police dojo here is absolutely brutal!
Two exceptions that I know of to this rule are:
1) Machi dojo, these are local dojo that will sometimes allow gaijin, one good one I have been to is Chiyoda Sports club. A very strong practice.
2) The Kodokan. Randori mon-fri 6pm-8pm and 5-7pm on a Saturday. A very strong class (especially Wednesdays).

[TRIBULUS]

Just turn up to the Kodokan in your BJJ gi with your blue belt and stripes and shout "NE-WAZA-NE-WAZA!" while mimicking a RNC. They will let you on the mat.

[wagon]

Just turn up to the Kodokan in your BJJ gi with your blue belt and stripes and shout "NE-WAZA-NE-WAZA!" while mimicking a RNC. They will let you on the mat.

but may not let you off the mat!

[Robster]

Just turn up to the Kodokan in your BJJ gi with your blue belt and stripes and shout "NE-WAZA-NE-WAZA!" while mimicking a RNC. They will let you on the mat.

lol would love to see this.

[Mark Pickering]

Akira B please drop me an email and I'll try and help - mark.pickering@britishjudo.org.uk

JudoPossum I'd be very interested in hearing more about your time in Japan. Do you have a blog?

[Judo Possum]

Hi Mark, unfortunately not. But anything you would like to ask please feel free!

[Mark Pickering]

Who are you out there with? A British delegation will be out there in March ahead of the Euro Champs.

[david_webb]

ttt for some more insights into Judo training in Japan (blogs, etc.)!
This is one thing I wish I had done over the years...

[Simon Hayes]

I wish i could get Judo Jim Warren to write about the training camps he attended at the Kodokan and behind the Iron Curtain before it fell.Some of his stories are amazing.