BJJ Gyms in Japan

Ikuno JJ

At IKUNO-JJ, we aim to improve mind, technique, and body through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Our experienced instructors provide careful guidance tailored to each individual's level, from beginners to advanced practitioners. You can practice safely and enjoyably in our clean and well-equipped facilities. You can improve your skills, as well as cultivate mental strength and concentration, by competing and learning together with your peers. It is a sport that anyone can start, regardless of age or gender. ## Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is known as the "ultimate self-defense technique." It all began when judoka Mitsuyo Maeda taught grappling techniques to the Gracies in Brazil. The Gracies, having learned from him, honed their skills over time in the dangerous environment of Brazil, winning battles against other martial artists and establishing their position in the country. To prove their strength, the Gracie family went to America in 1993 and held an anything-goes cage fighting tournament (UFC). In a tournament that brought together fighters weighing nearly 100kg, kickboxers, wrestlers, and karateka, Royce Gracie emerged victorious. He went on to win again in UFC 2, proving that even small people can defeat larger opponents. From this point on, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) spread from Brazil to America and then to the rest of the world. Some of Royce Gracie's famous quotes from this time include, "It's not that I'm strong, it's Gracie Jiu-Jitsu that's strong," and "I have a brother who's 10 times stronger than me" (referring to Rickson Gracie).

Buen BJJ

BuenBJJ is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy located in Iwatsuki-ku, Saitama, established in 2018 as an affiliated team of PUREBRED, one of Japan's oldest BJJ academies. The gym provides a welcoming curriculum suitable for complete beginners, with programs designed for various goals including health maintenance, competition training, and personal development. The academy is led by head instructor Isamu Shishido, who has approximately 30 years of BJJ experience. Shishido began training under Enson Inoue (who learned from Rickson Gracie) in 1997, and has taught classes at PUREBRED since 2000. He has trained extensively in Brazil through three long-term training camps. As a competitor, Shishido became the first Japanese brown belt to win a World Championship in the adult division, and achieved two consecutive Asia Championship victories at black belt, along with placing in the top 8 at the World Championships. He completed his competition career in 2011 and pursued specialized trainer education to enhance his coaching expertise. The kids program is coached by Yumi Ohashi, who began BJJ after her children started training. She brings extensive experience as a nursery school teacher to create an engaging and educational environment for young students. She also leads weight training classes for adults, applying her trainer knowledge to children's instruction.

Carpe Diem Sendai

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.

Carpe Diem Setagaya

Carpe Diem Setagaya is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy located in the Setagaya ward of Tokyo, Japan. Opened in July 2022, this modern training facility is designed with a "community bathhouse" (sento) concept, emphasizing a welcoming, neighborhood atmosphere where practitioners can come to train and refresh themselves. The gym features approximately 80 square meters of mat space in a spacious, well-lit facility. Both men's and women's locker rooms are equipped with showers, toilets, and powder spaces complete with hairdryers, making it convenient for members who train in the morning before work. The facility is universally designed to accommodate wheelchair users, reflecting the gym's commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Carpe Diem Setagaya offers a comprehensive class schedule throughout the week, including morning, afternoon, and evening sessions to accommodate various lifestyles. Classes are structured for all skill levels, from complete beginners to advanced practitioners, with dedicated Beginner, Regular, and Kids programs. The instruction emphasizes not only technical development but also the values of respect, discipline, and courtesy that are central to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Located near Chitosefunabashi Station and Kyodo Station (both 7-8 minutes walk on the Odakyu Line), the academy is easily accessible from central Tokyo.

Cave

CAVE BJJ offers a Master Membership in addition to the membership for those who only practice Jiu-Jitsu. Master Members can also practice strength training, kickboxing, and MMA at the CAVE, which is within walking distance.