# Carpe Diem Sendai

> Sendai, Japan | #<Affiliation:0x000062ad93a3d358>

## Overview

**Name:** Carpe Diem Sendai

**Affiliation:** #<Affiliation:0x000062ad93a3d358>

**Description:** Carpe Diem Sendai is the first Tohoku region branch of Carpe Diem Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, one of Japan's largest BJJ organizations with over 18 locations domestically and 7 internationally. The gym opened in autumn 2021 in the Itsutsubashi district of Aoba Ward, Sendai City. "Carpe Diem" is Latin for "Seize the Day," embodying the philosophy that everyone should live in the present moment through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Located just 6 minutes on foot from Itsutsubashi Station on the Sendai subway Nanboku Line in the heart of Sendai's city center, the gym offers convenient access for students, working professionals, and families. The facility features dedicated parking for 4 vehicles, making it accessible for members throughout the Miyagi prefecture.

Head instructor and gym representative Kazuki Watanabe is a black belt with an impressive competition record including multiple JBJJF All-Japan Championships and IBJJF tournament victories. Originally from Fukushima, Watanabe discovered BJJ in 2010 and eventually joined the prestigious Carpe Diem headquarters in Tokyo, transitioning from professional photographer to full-time instructor and competitor before opening the Sendai branch in 2021. The coaching team includes brown belt instructors Rei Nagao, Yuto Sugawara, and Toi Sato, all accomplished competitors with national championship titles.

Carpe Diem Sendai is affiliated with JBJJF (Japan Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation) and IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation). The facility offers separate changing rooms and showers for men and women, along with keeping locker services where staff wash and store members' gis, enabling "hands-free" training for busy professionals.

**Status:** Active

## Contact Information

**Address:**
1F, 2-8-17, Itsutsubashi, Aoba
Sendai 980-0022, Japan

**Phone:** 022-395-7369

**Website:** https://www.carpediem-sendai.com/

**Social Media:**
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carpediembjj_sendai/?hl=ja
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CARPEDIEMBJJSENDAI

## Instructors


### Kazuki Watanabe - Black

**Role:** Head Instructor

**Bio:** Born August 4, 1992 in Fukushima Prefecture. Discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2010 while in high school after playing soccer. Worked as a professional photographer while training, then moved to Tokyo to train full-time at Carpe Diem headquarters. Became a full-time instructor and competitor in 2015. Opened Carpe Diem Sendai in November 2021.


### Rei Nagao - Brown

**Role:** Instructor

**Bio:** Born 2005 in Tokyo. Brown belt. Competed in figure skating until middle school graduation, then started BJJ influenced by her sister. Moved to Sendai in 2021 to train under Kazuki Watanabe. Competed internationally for the first time in 2025.


### Toi Sato - Brown

**Role:** Instructor

**Bio:** Born December 8, 2001 in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. Brown belt. Competed in wrestling in high school, placing 5th at the National Sports Festival in his third year. Started BJJ at Carpe Diem Sendai in 2022 during COVID when wrestling practice was limited. Became a full-time instructor in September 2025 after leaving corporate employment.


### Yuto Sugawara - Brown

**Role:** Instructor

**Bio:** Born 2000 in Sendai. Brown belt. Started MMA in high school, learned judo wrestling in college which sparked interest in gi grappling. Started BJJ at Carpe Diem Sendai in 2022. Became a full instructor in 2024. Also holds nursing qualifications, contributing to the gym's safety standards.


## Programs

### Kids Class (Ages 4-7)

**Skill Level:** Beginner

**Age Group:** kids

**Gi Requirement:** Gi required

**Description:** Fun and engaging BJJ program for young children aged 4-7, focusing on basic movements and discipline

### Kids Class (Ages 8-12)

**Skill Level:** All Levels

**Age Group:** kids

**Gi Requirement:** Gi required

**Description:** BJJ program for children aged 8-12, building on fundamentals with age-appropriate techniques

### Basic Class

**Skill Level:** Beginner

**Age Group:** adults

**Gi Requirement:** Gi required

**Description:** Beginner-friendly gi class covering fundamental BJJ techniques and positions

### White Belt Class

**Skill Level:** Beginner

**Age Group:** adults

**Gi Requirement:** Gi required

**Description:** Dedicated class for white belts to build a strong foundation in BJJ basics

### All Belts Class

**Skill Level:** All Levels

**Age Group:** adults

**Gi Requirement:** Gi required

**Description:** Open gi class for all belt levels with technique instruction and live training

### No-Gi Class

**Skill Level:** Intermediate

**Age Group:** adults

**Gi Requirement:** No-Gi

**Description:** Grappling without the gi, focusing on submission wrestling techniques

### Family BJJ

**Skill Level:** All Levels

**Age Group:** all_ages

**Gi Requirement:** Gi required

**Description:** Saturday class where kids and family members can train together



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**Last Updated:** March 11, 2026

**Data Source:** BJJ.Space (https://bjj.space/gyms/japan/sendai/carpe-diem-sendai)