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.
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.
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