Richland Judo

Tri-City’s Longest Serving Judo Dojo

Welcome To

RICHLAND JUDO

Welcome to Richland School of Judo! We are an all-inclusive Judo dojo that works to make everyone feel invited and gain a sense of community. Students are taught skills in traditional Kodokan Judo, and various techniques from Wrestling, Grappling, and competition-focused Judo. We also emphasize traditional core values embedded in the Judo philosophy. Judo’s philosophy revolves around two primary principles: “Seiryoku-Zenyo” (精力善用, lit. ‘good use of energy’) and “Jita-Kyoei” (自他共栄, lit. ‘mutual welfare and benefit’). The core moral values of Judo are: Friendship, Honor, Respect, Modesty, Politeness, Courage, Self-control, and Sincerity. Embracing these values through practicing Judo allows students to truly go beyond the dojo, echoing into life. Come join us for a Judo experience that delivers joy, skills, and personal growth!

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Join Richland Judo today to start your FREE trial and begin your judo journey!

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Programs

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Schedule

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About Richland Judo

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About Us

Our goal at Richland Judo is to empower and educate students on how to become better people. Each black belt instructor at Richland Judo is U.S. Safesport, CDC Head Up Concussion certified, and completes biannual background checks as part of the United States Judo Federation (USJF) club membership. Our culture is built through social events and a heavy emphasis on community involvement. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and we work with multiple non-profit organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club, supporting the younger generation and those in need. We don’t turn anyone away with our purpose to help and sponsor people with low income. Because for us, it’s not about the money, but about helping everyone be their best selves through Judo!

History

Richland Judo has been serving the Tri-City area for nearly EIGHT decades. We started in the 1960s with the founders’ holding classes in the park The evolution of our Judo community can be largely attributed to influential figures like Sensei Geal Gettlemen. After graduating high school in 1971, Gettlemen began practicing Judo while serving in the United States Air Force. Upon relocating to the Tri-Cities, he learned from many of the area’s founding Judo instructors and played a significant role in mentoring numerous students throughout his career. In 2024, Sensei Gettlemen retired and appointed his long-time student, Sensei Justin, as the head sensei to uphold and advance the Richland Judo legacy. Sensei Justin, who has greatly benefited from Judo training and the mentorship of Sensei Gettlemen, is dedicated to promoting the values and benefits of Judo throughout the Tri-City community. Sensei Justin Chambers founded our 501(c)(3) to ensure Richland Judo legacy in the Tri-Cities area.

 

Left image of Justin Chambers visiting and practicing with the national Laotian Judo team. Laos 2024.

Boys and Girls Club

Get a month FREE when you buy your uniform!

meet our

Instructors

Photo of Instructor Justin Chambers

Justin Chambers

Shodan – Head Sensei
Photo of Instructor Alexandria

Alexandra Cristescu

Lead Youth Instructor
Photo of Instructor Geal

Gael Gettelman

Sandan – Senior Sensei
Photo of Instructor Kazu

Kazuhiro Sonoda

Sandan – Head Instructor
Photo of Instructor JR

​Rodrigo “JR” Vega

Shodan – Instructor

Us Judo Federation

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Reach out today for more information about how we give back with our first responder discount. 

Our Judo

Programs

Richland School of Judo

Adult’s Judo (Ages 13+)

Our Adult Judo Program focuses on building strength, technique, and resilience through comprehensive instruction in traditional Kodokan Judo, grappling, and wrestling. Designed for all experience levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners, our adult classes emphasize personal growth, discipline, and camaraderie. Whether you’re looking to refine your competitive edge or enhance your fitness and self-defense skills, our welcoming community and expert guidance provide the ideal environment to achieve your goals.

Richland School of Judo

Junior Judo (Ages 5-12)

For younger students, our Junior Judo Program introduces the foundational principles of Judo while fostering confidence, respect, and teamwork. We create a fun and structured setting where children can develop physical coordination, self-discipline, and valuable life skills. In addition to learning techniques, students are immersed in the traditional values of Judo, which encourage perseverance and kindness both on and off the mat. With our Boys and Girls Club and a commitment to making Judo accessible to all, Richland Judo is the perfect place for young learners to thrive. Join us to discover the joy and lifelong benefits of Judo!

What Our Students Are Saying

At Richland Judo, our greatest pride comes from the stories and experiences of our students and their families. Our testimonials section showcases the impact Judo has had on those who train with us, from personal growth and newfound confidence to achieving athletic milestones and building lifelong friendships. These heartfelt accounts highlight the supportive community, expert instruction, and transformative power of Judo that define our dojo.

We invite you to explore these testimonials and see why so many have chosen Richland Judo as their second home.

Class Schedule

Find the right class for your schedule at Richland Judo!

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Group in Judo uniform standing in front of an American Grappling Federation banner

Contact Us Today!

Richland Judo welcomes everyone in Richland, those in the Tri-City area, Benton City, Kennewick, Pasco, and anyone else in the area.

We are located off Highway 240 behind Conoco gas station!

509-366-0474
1930 Saint St, Richland, WA 99352