Tri-Force Jiu-Jitsu Academy (Ikebukuro, Tokyo, Japan)

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Overview
Tri-Force Ikebukuro is the headqurter of four Tri-Force Jiu-Jitsu Academy affiliates in Japan. I had the chance to train at two academies under the Tri-Force Jiu-Jitsu Academy’s banner in Tokyo. Unlike previously visited gyms in Japan, Tri-Force Academy focuses solely on BJJ Gi classes, and it did not offer striking or other MMA related classes. 

Similar to Tri-Force Osaka, a few expat students spoke fluent English, but the majority of students did not. As mentioned in the previous posts, the language barrier in Japan did not hinder me from participating and training with Tri-Force Academy, although, from time to time, it was challenging to understand minor details of a technique.

Tri-Force Academy’s lessons mainly focused on related techniques that could be varied from the same guard position. Every class began with a 20 second meditation followed by a regular BJJ warm-up. Then, an instructor presented three to four related techniques of the day, and students drilled with their partners for five minutes per technique. During my time at Tri-Force, we focused on various sweeps from a closed guard position.

As the headquarter of Tri-Force Academy was established in 2004, the presence of black belts per classes was noticeable. Among all the classes I attended, there were at least three black belts training out of the average class size of 20. I believe that Tri-Force Academy is highly beneficial for your BJJ training journey if you have an energy to train after shopping and consuming unforgettable Japanese cuisines in Tokyo. 

<<With the instructor, Yusuke Shinmyo >>

Location
Tri-Force Ikebukuro is located near the Ikebukuro station which is accessible via Fukutoshin Line, Marunouchi Line, and Yurakucho Line. The gym is about 700m (0.43 mile) from the train station, and it is easily recognizable with floor-to-ceiling windows and Tri-Force’s logo. Although the Public transportation system in Tokyo is well-established, I would recommend you to plan ahead as Tokyo is 2.8 times size of New York City (Google Map: Link)

Facility
Tri-Force Ikebukuro’s facility includes an immaculate mat space, locker rooms for men and women, and showers equipped with shampoo and body soap. Unfortunately, this gym does not include weights training areas.

Schedule
Tri-Force Ikebukuro has a schedule posted online which shows training sessions day by day. The gym is open everyday offering morning classes at 10:30am and evening classes at 7:15pm. The classes are mainly focused on Gi classes, but no-gi is offered on every Saturday. Please check Tri-Force Ikebukuro’s website as class descriptions are posted in detail. (Schedule: Link)

Visitor Fee
Like other Tri-Force affiliates, drop-in fees are quite pricey. You can either pay in cash in person or pay in advance via Paypal. Please see the link for the online payment: Online Payment

<<Exchange Rate: ¥1000 =~$9.2 USD as of January 31st, 2018>>

Miscellaneous
Tri-Force BJJ Academy has an English website which you might find helpful: Link

Tourist Attractions & Food

• Kodokan Judo Institute — It is the headquarter of the worldwide Judo community. The eight story building includes a museum, housing, and training facilities for Judokas. Kodokan is open to public for Judo classes if you are interested in participating. 

• Mt. Fuji — The famous Mt. Fuji is located about 130km (approximately 80miles) west of Tokyo. You can take a highway bus from Shinjuku to Mt. Fuji. The trip costs ¥2,700 (~$25 USD) and takes 2.5 hours. You can only climb Mt. Fuji during the climbing season (July to September), but you can still enjoy the magnificent view of Mt. Fuji while trekking or biking around Lake Kawaguchiko, one of the Fuji Five Lakes.

• Shibuya (Meiji Shrine / Harajuku) — In Shibuya, the Meiji shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji is surrounded by Yoyogi park which creates an extensive park in the futuristic city. The park is adjacent to Harajuku which is known for its fashion and art scenes. 

• Ryōgoku Kokugikan — Sumo is a national sport of Japan. There are six tournaments every year: Three in Tokyo (January, May and September), one each in Osaka (March), Nagoya (July) and Fukuoka (November) which lasts 15 days per tournament. If you happen to be in Tokyo during this time, I would highly recommend submerging yourself in a classic Japanese sumo match.

• Nightlife (Roppongi & Shinjuku) — Roppongi and Shinjuku are the most well-known night life districts in Tokyo with bars and clubs catered to different styles and preferences. Prepare to stay out all night as the public transportation stops operating around midnight and taxis are extremely expensive.

Hyperlinks
– Google Maps
– Website (Japanese)
– Website (English)

Source
– Tokyo Map
– Facility
– Gym