Has anyone ever taken a judo class at the Kodokan in Japan? I'm leaving for Japan in nine days and I've never trained in a formal judo class, however would love to experience taking a class there. I don't know what the formalities would include. Do I need a special ID card? I doubt it, but can I simply pay a mat fee to take class? Can I wear my Ju Jitsu uniform?
Any help would really be appreciated. 
Chris, check out the Judo sub forum on this site. There are a few guys who have trained at the Kodokan IIRC.
From what I've read, they are very formal but as long as you show respect you will have a great experience (No problem for you!) I do not know about the BJJ uniform, I am going to assume that you can not wear it, but I may be incorrect. Check out the Judo subforum and I'm sure they'll have your answers.
Have fun, I'm sure that will be an amazing experience!
When I inquired years ago, you could only take part in the open randori sessions if you were at least brown belt level. They do have English language sessions, but those are part of a course, not just a regular class that you could drop in on. Go to the website and you can email them and ask, as they may have changed things up.
I ended up just going along on a Sat afternoon to watch, and it was amazing just sitting up in the gallery and looking down on the huge mat space. Caught the end of the kids class, then an open mat that was full of both young black belts drilling like crazy, and 80 year old BBs having fun and doing as much or as little as they liked (or their bodies could handle). Watching the old guys was one of the most inspiring things I've ever seen - I'll never be a world champ, but I can be one of the old guys still having fun.
James
In. I've always wanted to train Judo there.
Thanks guys. I'll report back with my findings
In. Have always wanted to do this 
Been there. Bought a gi bag. Never got to train.
VincentVega - Thanks guys. I'll report back with my findingsBeen awhile but I highly recommend it! If you aren't aloud to take part based in rank you should definitely watch the Wednesday (maybe Thursday) night randori session on the top floor. All the major ass kickers are there and it's one heck of an experience!!
Sir Taps - When I inquired years ago, you could only take part in the open randori sessions if you were at least brown belt level. They do have English language sessions, but those are part of a course, not just a regular class that you could drop in on. Go to the website and you can email them and ask, as they may have changed things up.Afaik you need dan grade rank to train at the main dojo; no dan grade and off to the 1 year intensive foreigners course with you. They won't even let you start that course unless you have a visa valid for a year.
I ended up just going along on a Sat afternoon to watch, and it was amazing just sitting up in the gallery and looking down on the huge mat space. Caught the end of the kids class, then an open mat that was full of both young black belts drilling like crazy, and 80 year old BBs having fun and doing as much or as little as they liked (or their bodies could handle). Watching the old guys was one of the most inspiring things I've ever seen - I'll never be a world champ, but I can be one of the old guys still having fun.
James
To the best of my knowledge, the kodokan doesn't recognise coloured belts, opting for white (kyu) and black (dan). You could try pleading a case that 1st kyu can randori at a 1st dan level, but don't expect that to be honoured.
(Caveat: I've always wanted to randori at the kodokan and looked into this extensively last year, however my trip never happened so this is all Internet research - if you're going to be there anyway go for it - and good luck; I'll be jealous if you manage it!)
I was treated VERY rudely at the front desk of the Kodokan when I showed up with my gi under my arm and told them I was injured and could not train but would very much like to teach a free seminar that evening.
^^^ Great link! Thanks for finding that.
Man, I totally want to go there and spend a year training there. I guess I had best hurry up before I'm old...
I trained there for a year but it was a while ago 1999. This was kodokan osaka. They let me wear my blue belt and my BJJ gi. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life - GREAT people. Got my black belt right at the end too :)
Sir Taps - When I inquired years ago, you could only take part in the open randori sessions if you were at least brown belt level. They do have English language sessions, but those are part of a course, not just a regular class that you could drop in on. Go to the website and you can email them and ask, as they may have changed things up.
I ended up just going along on a Sat afternoon to watch, and it was amazing just sitting up in the gallery and looking down on the huge mat space. Caught the end of the kids class, then an open mat that was full of both young black belts drilling like crazy, and 80 year old BBs having fun and doing as much or as little as they liked (or their bodies could handle). Watching the old guys was one of the most inspiring things I've ever seen - I'll never be a world champ, but I can be one of the old guys still having fun.
James
Voted up. The last few sentences of your post was relevant to me, and very important for any older guy who trains to keep in mind. I also will never be a world champ, but I can be one of those older guys. Good stuff.
Post your question on the judo forum. There are members who know the judo scene in Japan very well. I am not one of them.
I'll be visiting Japan myself and wanted to do the same! Please post up your experience.
-B
I lived and trained there on multiple occasions, ill post in a bit
a couple from back in the day at kodokan osaka
About the Kodokan Tokyo, a few things mentioned above aren't correct. I lived and trained there for longer than one month on multiple occasions.
The year-long course doesn't require you to have a long term visa. I've known many foreigners who were there just for 2-3 months on a tourist visa who were doing that course. That being said, that course isn't anything special. If possible, you want to join the open practice (randori). I believe the minimum requirement to join the open practice is a judo brown belt.
The randori practice isn't structured. It's essentially open mat. You go up to someone and ask to randori (or newaza) depending on you. Most nights are quiet with not too many people, but on Wednesday nights many college and pro players show up. There are hundreds of people on the mat. I remember on one night there were 5 current Olympic/World gold medalists on the mat. There are always national teams (and solo players) coming in from abroad, so you get a chance to meet people from all over.
The beginner course is usually held at the main dojo (7th floor) along with the open practice, just on different sides of the dojo. On Wednesdays (and occasionally other days) when the main dojo is crowded, they will train on a different floor, but this seems to be the exception. Also, some of the beginner students will be allowed to join the open practice after their class ends, but it depends on their instructor.
About gi's -- they're really strict. I remember when they wouldn't allow the Olympic and 2 time World Champion Keiji Suzuki to train unless he switched from a blue gi to a white gi. So I would recommend picking up a normal white gi before going. Don't put any patches on it.
About membership -- it costs 8000 yen (about $75) and also another 500 for the card. Membership is good for life. You also have to pay training fees -- which is 5000 yen for unlimited per month, or 800 per day. I believe if you pay the daily fee, you don't even need to buy membership. If you're going to buy a gi or other items from the gift shop, wait until you get your membership, because you can save quite a bit.
There's a weight lifting gym at the Kodokan which is pretty nice (lots of free weights) and it's free for judo players to use, but there is a bit of paperwork involved and you can't go alone, you need to have 2 or more people going at once to use it (I guess for safety reasons).
The Kodokan has housing available for judo players. It's very affordable compared to hotels in Tokyo. A lot of international teams stay at the Kodokan but train outside (at the university clubs, where the level of judo is the highest).
If anyone has any other questions, feel free to let me know.
.