Gunji Judo Academy
Judo is more than technique—it’s timing, feeling, and strategy.
I help students bring all of that together
—through personalized judo training in New York City.
About
Hi, I’m Kensuke Gunji. I’ve been practicing judo for over 25 years, including five years as a professional competitor in Japan.
After retiring from competition, I shifted my focus to coaching and now teach private lessons in New York City.Competitive Highlights
• 2nd place, All Japan Business Group Championship
• Selected to compete at the All Japan Championships
• 1st place, National Sports Festival (Youth Division)
• 2nd place, Inter-High School Championship
• 1st place, National Junior High School Wrestling TournamentMy goal is to help each student build a strong foundation, sharpen their technique, and understand the deeper strategy behind judo. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced competitor, I’ll work with you to bring out your best.
Lessons
Private Judo Coaching Designed to Accelerate Your ProgressWhether you’re just starting out or aiming for high-level competition, these one-on-one sessions are built to help you make meaningful progress
—faster and more clearly than in regular group classes.Each lesson is customized based on your goals, skill level, and current challenges. You won’t just practice moves—you’ll understand why they work, how to make them more effective, and when to apply them under pressure.What you’ll get out of a private session:• Targeted feedback based on your current habits and tendencies
• Clean-up and correction of specific technical errors
• Improved timing, balance, and entry precision
• Practical strategies for grip fighting, transitions, and combinations
• A clear plan to apply what you’ve learned in randori or competitionSessions are held at Kokushi Budo Institute in Manhattan.If you’re serious about taking your judo to the next level, feel free to reach out. I’ll be happy to talk through what you’re looking for.
Seminars
I’m available for judo seminars across the U.S. and internationally. Whether it’s a club session, camp, or event-style workshop, I’m open to collaborating with dojos and organizers who want to bring high-level technical and strategic judo to their students.If you’re interested in hosting a seminar or want to discuss the possibilities,
feel free to contact me — let’s make something great happen together.
Reviews
What Students Are Saying
Some real messages I’ve received from students after private sessions.
I appreciate every one of them.
Contact / Social
Let’s Connect
Whether you’re interested in a private lesson, seminar, or just want to follow my content, feel free to reach out.
The easiest way to contact me is via Instagram DM, but you can also connect through other platforms below.
Feel free to follow or reach out if you’re interested in lessons or seminars.
Looking forward to hearing from you!