The Monthly dojo drop: Paraestra Sapporo

Location

-065-0009 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Higashi Ward, Kita 9 Johigashi, 10 Chome−3−26 Pearl Court Kosei 10 1F

-Parking available near by

Lead By

Minoru Tawaraya

Class Attended

Saturday No Gi- 12:00am

Vibe

A very beginner‑friendly and but also competitive atmosphere. You’ll find both relaxed rolls and competitive rounds happening side by side, making it easy for anyone to train at their own pace.

Facilities

Clean, well‑maintained facility with multiple showers, a locker room, and a dedicated changing area.

Decent sized mat space that comfortably supports multiple matches at once.

Visitor Notes

Drop‑in fee varies depending on the class, it’s best to contact ahead and ask.

Reaching out via social media before visiting is recommended.

Staff speaks mostly Japanese but is very acommodating

Training Style

Technical instruction with plenty of time to drill and apply techniques in live scenarios.

Coaches are hands‑on, attentive, and quick to clarify details when needed.

Sparring intensity is self‑paced — competitive but always safe and respectful.

Good For

Grapplers of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a home gym or just dropping in to make new friends, this location is highly recommended. Paraestra has several teams across Japan and is known for producing great grapplers and MMA fighters. This is a great place to train if you are wanting to work with a team that focusses on serious MMA training and growth.

My Experience

Paraestra Sapporo offers a high level, fighter‑focused training environment with a strong emphasis on technical skill and hard work. The team is known for producing professional fighters, and the vibe reflects that. They train in a way that is disciplined, intense, and purpose‑driven, but still respectful and welcoming to visitors. The students gave me competitive rounds where everyone tried their best without sacrificing control or safety. It’s a gym where you can feel the ambition on the mats, yet the training remains clean, respectful, and grounded in solid technique. I have been here multiple times and will continue to go back when I am in Sapporo.