Sendai Jiu-Jitsu Academy

SENDAI Jiu-Jitsu AcademyAbout Us

About Sendai Jiu-Jitsu Academy
SENDAI Jiu-Jitsu Academy is an officially recognized branch of AXIS Jiu-Jitsu Academy. AXIS Jiu-Jitsu Academy is the Japanese headquarters of Rickson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. With 25 academies worldwide, it is dedicated to spreading the philosophy that "gentleness and strength coexist" through Jiu-Jitsu.
SENDAI Jiu-Jitsu Academy has been serving and nurturing the community since its establishment in 2015. Our members range from 4 years old to over 60, encompassing various ages, genders, races, physical abilities, and body types. We pride ourselves on being a place where anyone, regardless of their background, can learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a warm and inclusive environment.
Our academy promotes a friendly atmosphere that allows both children and women to train together while accommodating competitive athletes who participate in events like the Asian Championships and World Championships.

For BeginnersWhat is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

A transformative martial art that lets you become a new you
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art and lifestyle created by the Gracie family of Brazil inspired by Mitsuyo Maeda, a Japanese judoka. BJJ encompasses self-defense, combat, and sport aspects, and it was designed to allow individuals to overcome larger, stronger opponents. The art of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu has evolved into what we know today as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and it offers everyone the opportunity to evolve and grow through martial arts.

The Attraction of Brazilian Jiu-JitsuAnyone can wield the magic of BJJ!

BJJ is characterized by techniques that enable you to control and submit your opponent even from disadvantaged positions. These techniques are rooted in logic and principles, making them accessible to everyone. BJJ is like magic, granting individuals, whether children or adults, the ability to triumph over adversity.

SafetyGlobal popularity built on safety

Free TrialEveryone starts as a beginner

At SENDAI Jiu-Jitsu Academy, we offer a variety of free trial lessons to help you get started. You can experience our group classes, where you can feel the atmosphere of our regular lessons, as well as private lessons that allow you to practice at your own pace, free from external pressures. For complete beginners, we have a Beginner's Class, where our instructors offer patient and precise guidance.

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Practice Facility

Instructor Introduction

Lead InstructorNoriyuki Kakuta

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, First Degree

Lineage: Rickson Gracie > Takamasa Watanabe > Noriyuki Kakuta

Born in 1985, Noriyuki Kakuta hails from Tagajo City, Miyagi Prefecture. With a lifelong interest in strength, he began his martial arts journey with karate in his early years. During his time at Tohoku Gakuin Junior High School and High School, he encountered Judo and dedicated himself to rigorous training.
Upon entering college, he moved to Tokyo in 2005 and joined "AXIS Jiu-Jitsu Academy." After graduating from college, he worked for a major consulting company while studying sales and business management.

In 2015, he returned to his hometown of Miyagi and established "SENDAI Jiu-Jitsu Academy."
In 2018, he was awarded his black belt by Takamasa Watanabe.
He now focuses on his coaching career, including serving as an external coach for judo Olympic athletes.

Hobbies: Driving, Hot Springs, Forest Bathing, Travel
Special Skills: English Conversation (in progress)

Notable Achievements:

2007 – World Jiu-Jitsu Championship Adult Blue Belt 3rd Place
2007 – Abu Dhabi Combat Club All Japan Open Champion (open-weight)
2015 – Japan National Pro Jiu-Jitsu Tournament Adult Purple Belt Champion (open-weight)
2015 – Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Tokyo Adult Purple Belt Champion (94kg)
2016 – Rickson Gracie International Jiu-Jitsu Tournament Adult Brown Belt 3rd place (super heavyweight)
2016 – All Japan Jiu-Jitsu Adult Brown Belt Champion (open-weight)
2016 – Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Tokyo Adult Brown Belt Finalist (under 110kg)
2018 – Abu Dhabi World professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship master1 Brown Belt Champion (under 94kg)
2019 – Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Tokyo master1 Black Belt Finalist (under 85kg)
2024 - Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Tokyo master2 Black Belt Champion(under 94kg)

A Message from the Lead Instructor

"Jiu-Jitsu has the power to transform people."

Jiu-Jitsu is more than self-defense, combat sport, or physical activity; it's a lifestyle and an art that you refine throughout your life. Before discovering Jiu-Jitsu, I would often give up quickly and couldn't sustain efforts. However, through consistent Jiu-Jitsu practice, I gained the ability to persist and found self-confidence growing from within.

I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to run this academy for the last eight years, where I've had the privilege of guiding many students, all of whom have undergone significant transformations. Some have become physically and mentally stronger, others kinder and more humble, and some have developed the confidence to be proactive and positive.

Jiu-Jitsu is a team effort; you cannot practice it alone. Having dedicated teachers and fellow practitioners makes all the difference. The friendships forged on the mat can be life-changing. At SENDAI Jiu-Jitsu Academy, our mission is to not only teach techniques but also support each student in improving their lifestyle and inner self, just as my mentors have done for me.

BASICBasic Class

This class is tailored for Jiu-Jitsu beginners. We offer an easy-to-follow curriculum that covers the fundamentals, as well as self-defense techniques, which are at the core of Jiu-Jitsu. To ensure safety for beginners, we limit sparring to controlled situations in which they partner with more experienced practitioners.

Target Audience:

Everyone, Recommended for Beginners

Class Duration:

60 minutes

ADVANCEAdvanced Class

Our advanced class is open to all, from beginners to those preparing for competitions. It's recommended for those who want to delve deeper into Jiu-Jitsu and learn more advanced techniques.

Target Audience:

Everyone

Class Duration:

60 minutes

NO-GINO-GI Class

In this class, you'll learn Jiu-Jitsu techniques without the traditional gi (Jiu-Jitsu uniform). We focus on teaching body mechanics and fine points of technique, ensuring safe and effective learning. We also cover striking defense and counter techniques. Safety is a top priority, and we adapt the training to individual levels.

Target Audience:

Everyone

Class Duration:

60 minutes

KIDSKids Classes

We offer age-specific classes:

Kids 1 Class (Ages 4-7): Focuses on developing foundational physical abilities, including core strength training, motor skills enhancement, and self-defense techniques to protect against falls.

Kids 2 Class (Ages 8-15): Adds Jiu-Jitsu-specific elements, teaching practical self-defense and competitive Jiu-Jitsu techniques, including anti-bullying strategies.

Class Duration:

60 minutes

PRIVATEPrivate Classes

Our private classes offer one-on-one or small group instruction. You'll receive personalized guidance, including sparring and detailed instruction on techniques tailored to your needs. Whether you have a busy schedule, want focused practice, or have specific goals, private classes are ideal for you. They are available by appointment only.

Link to Inquiry

FREE MATTOpen Mat (Free Training)

Our open mat sessions provide a space for free training. You can review techniques learned in class, practice new ones, or spar with fellow members. It's also a great time to socialize and chat with your training partners.

Target Audience:

Everyone

Class Duration:

60 minutes

FREE TRIALJiu-Jitsu Free Trial Class

For those who are curious about starting their Jiu-Jitsu journey, we offer free trial classes.

Target Audience:

EveryoneRecommended for Beginners

Class Duration:

60 minutes

Link to Free Trial Class