# Carpe Diem Niigata > Niigata City, Japan | #<Affiliation:0x000062ad9426bb88> ## Overview **Name:** Carpe Diem Niigata **Affiliation:** #<Affiliation:0x000062ad9426bb88> **Description:** Carpe Diem Niigata is part of the Carpe Diem Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu network, one of the world's most recognized BJJ teams founded by Yuki Ishikawa. Located in Niigata City within the SACO WORKOUT WELL facility, the gym opened in 2024 as a modern training space focusing on both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and wellness. The facility is positioned near the Shinano River and the Sea of Japan, approximately 10 minutes from Niigata Station. As part of the Carpe Diem family, which has expanded to over 35 locations worldwide including branches in Japan, South Korea, Singapore, London, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Manila, the Niigata location upholds the organization's philosophy of "More Than Jiu-Jitsu" - viewing BJJ as a lifelong practice that enriches overall lifestyle. The gym's training philosophy emphasizes understanding one's body through proper assessment before beginning training. Operated within SACO WORKOUT WELL, a comprehensive wellness facility established in July 2024, the approach combines "science × environment × choice" to deliver personalized wellness, recovery, conditioning, and lifestyle programs. The facility features a unique integration of fitness training and a wellness café (SA CAFE), creating a "third place" where members can focus on both physical training and overall health. Classes are structured to be accessible for beginners while providing depth for advanced practitioners, with programs designed around posture, breathing, and fundamental movement patterns. The instructional team is led by Keita Sako (brown belt, 2024 Japan #1 ranking, Asia Championship bronze medalist, World Championship bronze medalist), who founded SACO WORKOUT WELL and brought his unique methodology combining BJJ with fundamental movement science. The team includes Takafumi Kawamata (black belt, All-Japan Master Champion), Daiki Yamazaki (brown belt, All-Japan Master 3rd place, Yokohama International Champion), and Misato Yamazaki (purple belt, Asia Championship bronze medalist). The facility offers programs for all ages including beginners classes, fundamentals & drilling, no-gi grappling, and comprehensive kids programs (ages 3-14) that focus on developing coordination, discipline, and BJJ fundamentals alongside character building. **Status:** Active ## Contact Information **Address:** Ichinocho Ishizuechodori 1955 Niigata City 951-8055, Japan **Phone:** 025-378-5739 **Email:** info@saco-workoutwell.jp **Website:** https://www.carpediem-niigata.com/ **Social Media:** - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carpediembjj_niigata/ ## Instructors ### Keita Sako - Brown **Role:** Head Instructor **Bio:** Started Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Australia in 2005 while working as a personal trainer. After returning to Japan, founded SACO WORKOUT WELL in Niigata. Emphasizes the philosophy of 'mind and body connection' and promotes BJJ as a lifelong sport integrated into lifestyle. His unique training methodology focuses on fundamental human movement patterns including posture, breathing, and walking, which he applies to BJJ technique. ### Daiki Yamazaki - Brown **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Accomplished competitor with 3rd place at All-Japan Master Championship and winner of Yokohama International Championship. Passionate about spider guard techniques, even founding a training community called 'Kumo-ren' (Spider Training) dedicated to this guard style. Father of two known for his calm and sincere teaching approach. Signature look includes red rashguard and blue tights, truly embodying his Spider-Man-inspired game. ### Misato Yamazaki - Purple **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Active competitor and mother of two who continues to compete while teaching kids classes. Bronze medalist at Asia BJJ Championship. Known for bright and attentive instruction focused on helping children develop confidence and discipline. Themes of her teaching include 'enjoying the process' and 'never giving up.' Currently expanding her knowledge as a trainer at SACO WORKOUT WELL to support members from both fitness and BJJ perspectives. ### Takafumi Kawamata - Black **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Started BJJ with zero martial arts experience and worked his way to black belt through dedication. Winner of the All-Japan Master Championship and known for patient, beginner-friendly instruction. As a father of two, balances family life with training, spending mornings at the dojo and afternoons with his children at the park. ## Programs ### Beginner Program **Skill Level:** Beginner **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Designed for beginners to understand BJJ positions, techniques, and concepts. The curriculum is beginner-friendly and focuses on building a solid foundation. Classes are structured to be accessible and allow step-by-step progression from basic movements. ### Fundamentals & Drilling **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** For all ranks and skill levels. This program explores positions, techniques, and concepts more deeply than the basic program, suitable even for intermediate and advanced practitioners. Includes situational training to introduce new insights and problem-solving approaches. ### Grappling (No-Gi) **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Program to master common no-gi techniques and positions that differ from gi training. ### Kids Athletics (All Ages) **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Program focused on 'building athletic bodies.' Includes coordination training developed by SACO WORKOUT WELL trainers to improve running speed, jumping height, quick reactions, and three-dimensional movement. Outdoor training sessions held at Yasuragi Embankment on nice weather days. ### Kids BJJ (Ages 4-5) **Skill Level:** Beginner **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Focus on improving ability to follow instructions, developing concentration in group settings, building communication skills, developing body coordination and balance, and learning basic BJJ positions and techniques. ### Kids BJJ (Ages 6-8) **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Emphasis on self-discipline and personal responsibility, body awareness and coordination development, building strength/speed/balance, goal-setting for self-improvement, good behavior and following instructions, group focus ability, basic BJJ positions and techniques, confidence and communication skills building. ### Kids BJJ (Ages 9-14) **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Establishing strong technical foundation, enhancing sparring skills, developing teamwork, cultivating self-control, goal-setting for self-improvement, basic BJJ positions and techniques, confidence and communication skills building. --- **Last Updated:** March 10, 2026 **Data Source:** BJJ.Space (https://bjj.space/gyms/japan/niigata-city/carpe-diem-niigata)