Deleon Judo Club

DeLeon Judo Club is a martial art school that has been in operation for over 40 years, founded by Sensei Jim Santiago DeLeon in 1970. With a rich history of producing national and international competitors, the club has a strong reputation for teaching the art of Judo. In 2007, Sensei Henry Kaku took over as the Head Instructor after Sensei DeLeon retired, bringing with him a wealth of experience and knowledge in the art of Judo.

Our Services

At DeLeon Judo Club, we are dedicated to imparting not only the physical skills of Judo, but also its philosophy and traditions. Our mission is to provide a comprehensive learning experience that covers the principles of leverage, balance, movement, and the effective use of the opponent's strength. Our expert instructors are committed to guiding our students in mastering the art of Judo, and we encourage our students to take part in local, state, and national competitions.

Our Philosophy

Judo, or "The Gentle Way, " is a martial art developed by Dr. Jigoro Kano, which aims to foster a spirit of mutual welfare and benefit. Our philosophy is centered on the concept of "Maximum Efficiency, " where we strive to use the least amount of physical strength necessary to achieve our goals. We also emphasize the importance of discipline, respect, and self-improvement, which are essential qualities for a successful Judo practitioner.

Our Instructors

Sensei Henry Kaku, the Head Instructor, is a highly experienced and qualified instructor with over 50 years of experience in Judo and over 25 years of experience in teaching. He has competed and placed in the top 4 in many national Judo competitions and has been a member of the Varsity Judo Team for SJSU, the top collegiate Judo Team.

Sensei Davin Tillman, the Assistant Head Instructor, has been training with DeLeon Judo Club since he was 5 years old and has achieved a high level of ranking and has also studied Judo with Santa Rosa Jr. College. He is a certified Regional Referee with USJF, and a certified USA Judo National Coach.

Join Us

We welcome students of all ages and skill levels to join our Judo family. Our classes are designed to be engaging, fun, and challenging, and we offer a range of programs and classes to suit different needs and goals. Whether you're looking to improve your physical fitness, enhance your mental focus, or simply try something new, DeLeon Judo Club is the perfect place to start your journey.

Contact Us

Find us at the Kenilworth Teen Center, located at 150 Fairgrounds Drive, Petaluma, CA 94954. We welcome ages 6 and up. For monthly rates and more information, please visit our website or contact us to learn more.