AXIS JIU-JITSU ACADEMY

If you’re going to Tokyo, Axis BJJ has been my go-to. They’re super nice, and there were a mix of locals and non-locals there. There were at least 3-4 women out of the 3 times I’ve gone. I initially thought the training to be more formal and strict, but they were pretty chill. Their training and rolling structure was the same as any other BJJ gym I’ve trained in the US. You can also wear whatever gi color you want if you want to bring your own. There were many members who could speak English, and if they couldn’t, they visually taught or queued you. Sensei Tanaka teaches his lessons in Japan source, 2025 ↗

positive

Cave BJJ in Tokyo is good. It's a 20 second walk from the nearest station and the owner, "Go" is a cool guy. Axis jiujitsu is awesome aswell. The instructor teachs in English and Japanese simultaneously. You could also check out the Kodokan if you're up for some judo training. If you happen to visit Kyoto, which is reasonably close to Osaka, search for "Enshin Dojo." It's hard to find but it's the kind of judo dojo that would be portrayed in a ninja anime. It's mystical. I never did any training while I was in Osaka but the comedy scene is good over there!  Hard to say if any of these will hav source, 2025 ↗

positive

For BJJ, I’m a bit biased since I train at **Axis HQ** and **Carpe Diem**. I haven’t been to **Carpe Diem Shibuya** yet, but I’ve trained at their branches in **Jiyugaoka**, **Aoyama**, **Hiroo**, **Mita**, and **Setagaya**. Based on my experience, you’ll likely enjoy **CD Shibuya**. Even if you don’t speak Japanese, there are usually members who can communicate in English. **Carpe Diem** focuses on sports jiu-jitsu, and if you travel for work, their branches across Japan allow you to train as a visitor for 1,000 yen per session (plus 1,000 yen for a GI rental). At **Axis HQ**, the mat space source, 2024 ↗

neutral

I dropped into a Rickson school in Tokyo. It was awesome. Great gym and great people there. Axis Jiu Jitsu run by a Japanese Brazilian by the name of Takamasa Watanabe. He’s like a 3rd or 4th degree black belt under Rickson. They were super welcoming and very legit. Have fun source, 2022 ↗

positive

Axis’s main branch is actually located in Tokyo. AXIS JIU-JITSU ACADEMY 〒156-0043 Tokyo, Setagaya City, Matsubara, 1 Chome−34−16 トーア明大前マンション 03-3325-6699 https://g.co/kgs/Dm9tn3 source, 2022 ↗

neutral

Hi mate! I’m coming to Tokyo on the 11th of October for a month to train Jiu Jitsu! I train at Axis UK and planned an impromptu trip to Tokyo. Are you still training at axis? source, 2022 ↗

neutral

I just returned from a trip to Tokyo and rolled at Axis (the main location). The place is awesome. Great instruction, a diversity of levels and a great group of people. I strongly recommend the place. source, 2018 ↗

positive

AXIS has an international crowd. I'm at a branch gym up north, but the main one in Tokyo is here: [http://www.axisjj.com/?lang=en\\_US](http://www.axisjj.com/?lang=en_US) source, 2018 ↗

neutral