Building the Future: Griffin Judo Opens New Berkeley Facility

Judo United Congratulates Griffin Judo Club on the Grand Opening of their new facility in Berkley California! The Judo community continues to grow, and Judo United would like to extend its congratulations and best wishes to Griffin Judo Club as they begin an exciting new chapter.

Founded by passionate judoka and longtime contributors to the sport, Griffin Judo Club represents the type of leadership and commitment that helps strengthen and expand our judo community. Founders Jonathan Cotte, Cody Costell, and Adham Ramadan have each dedicated significant time and energy to the sport, and their vision for building a new home for athletes and families is something worth celebrating.

What makes this opening especially exciting is the location and statement it makes for the future of our sport. It is great to see a judo club opening its doors in a vibrant, highly visible part of the community, right in the heart of Berkeley, California, with easy access for families and located just two miles from Cal Berkeley.

Having judo schools establish themselves in prominent locations throughout our communities sends a powerful message — judo is on the rise. For years, much of California’s growth in judo has come from clubs willing to create a strong commercial presence and invest in visibility, accessibility, and the overall experience for athletes and families.

California already boasts the largest concentration of judo clubs in the United States, and the momentum continues to build. More clubs are investing in quality facilities, expanding programs, and bringing judo into the mainstream. That growth matters because visibility creates opportunity. When families see thriving, professional judo academies in the center of their communities, it changes perceptions and opens doors for future generations of athletes.

Griffin Judo Club has made a bold statement from day one. Jonathan, Cody, and Adham have shown that they believe in their team, their vision, and the future of their club. They have invested in creating a first-class environment that reflects the quality of what they are building.

Their new facility showcases what is possible for modern judo programs — featuring an impressive training space complete with weight training areas, changing rooms, and a comfortable waiting area designed for families. It is a facility that reflects pride, professionalism, and a commitment to delivering a great experience for everyone who walks through the doors.

One of the most encouraging parts of the grand opening was seeing the incredible support from across the Bay Area judo community. It was great to see representation from clubs, coaches, athletes, and senseis from throughout the region who came out to celebrate and support Griffin Judo Club on this important day.

That type of support says a lot about the strength of our judo community. While clubs may train in different locations and wear different patches, moments like this remind us that we are all working toward something bigger. Seeing other dojos, players, and senseis come together to support growth within the community was a powerful reminder that California judo continues to move in the right direction.

Opening a dojo is never easy. It requires long hours, sacrifice, and a genuine belief that judo can positively impact lives. Beyond teaching throws and techniques, dojo founders create communities, mentor young athletes, and provide places where lifelong friendships and values are developed.

At Judo United, we believe strong clubs create a stronger judo community for everyone. We are excited to see Griffin Judo Club begin its journey and look forward to watching the club grow in the years ahead.

Congratulations to Jonathan Cotte, Cody Costell, Adham Ramadan, and the entire Griffin Judo Club family.

Judo is rising in California, and Griffin Judo Club is helping lead the way.