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The best karate dojos in California

Ranked by the members who actually train there — Google rating weighted by review volume, across 13,428 reviews of California dojos. Minimum 20 reviews to qualify, real karate dojos only, one location per chain, and nobody pays for a spot. Updated 2026.

American Martial Arts Academy - Placentia / Yorba Linda Campus - Karate, After-school & Summer Camp, karate dojo in Placentia, CA

#1 American Martial Arts Academy - Placentia / Yorba Linda Campus - Karate, After-school & Summer Camp

5 ★★★★★ 190 reviews · Placentia, CA

Free trial Kids & teens friendly, respectful dojostrong kids programbuilds confidence, discipline & respect

“My 4yo started there a few weeks ago and I already really love it for her. We were hesitant to sign the kids up for a long time because I wasn't sure at 4yo how much she would real…” — Vickey

Flaherty's Kenpo Karate, Children Classes, Family Martial Arts Training, Self-Defense Lessons, karate dojo in Stockton, CA

#2 Flaherty's Kenpo Karate, Children Classes, Family Martial Arts Training, Self-Defense Lessons

4.9 ★★★★★ 172 reviews · Stockton, CA

Kids & teens Private lessons Competition team Affiliated expert instruction from a great senseiwelcoming to beginnersfriendly, respectful dojo

“Flaherty’s Kenpo karate has been a Great experience for our child. The instructors are exceptional, providing guidance and support that helps children grow, develop discipline and …” — Mini

Karate For All, karate dojo in Tustin, CA

#3 Karate For All

5 ★★★★★ 139 reviews · Tustin, CA

Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons Competition team expert instruction from a great senseifriendly, respectful dojostrong technique, kata & fundamentals

“Our grandchild’s journey at Karate For All in Tustin, CA, under the guidance of Sensei Wayne, has been nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment he stepped into the dojo, we …” — Rosio

Tajik Karate Academy - Adults, Kids Martial Arts, karate dojo in Irvine, CA

#4 Tajik Karate Academy - Adults, Kids Martial Arts

4.9 ★★★★★ 138 reviews · Irvine, CA

Kids & teens expert instruction from a great senseiwelcoming to beginnersfriendly, respectful dojo

“This karate school is truly outstanding. Sensei Alex and Sensei Nadia are both highly professional, extremely patient, and very knowledgeable. They teach with so much dedication an…” — Penny

U.S. Karate Academy, karate dojo in San Diego, CA

#5 U.S. Karate Academy

4.9 ★★★★★ 132 reviews · San Diego, CA

Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons friendly, respectful dojostrong technique, kata & fundamentalsstrong kids program

Martial arts school specializing in fitness, self-defense classes & karate for children.

“The U.S . Karate Academy San Diego is an excellent place for kids and adults of all ages to learn Self-discipline and impulse control along with the skills needed for karate. You c…” — Nick

Red Dragon Karate San Dimas, karate dojo in San Dimas, CA

#6 Red Dragon Karate San Dimas

5 ★★★★★ 108 reviews · San Dimas, CA

Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons Competition team expert instruction from a great senseifriendly, respectful dojostrong technique, kata & fundamentals

“Red Dragon San Dimas, our second home. The PERFECT place for your children. We love pur Sensei Alex, Sensei Jake, Sensei JayJay, Sensei Matthew, and the one and only amazing Miss D…” — Tamara

Claycomb Karate & Kickboxing, karate dojo in Fontana, CA

#7 Claycomb Karate & Kickboxing

4.9 ★★★★★ 113 reviews · Fontana, CA

Free trial Kids & teens Affiliated expert instruction from a great senseiwelcoming to beginnersfriendly, respectful dojo

“So I have been training at Claycomb Academy of Martial Arts for a year now and not a day goes by that I’m not grateful for being apart of this dojo! I like that the classes are sma…” — Carolyn

Lockhart's Karate Academy, karate dojo in Aliso Viejo, CA

#8 Lockhart's Karate Academy

4.9 ★★★★★ 106 reviews · Aliso Viejo, CA

Kids & teens Competition team expert instruction from a great senseifriendly, respectful dojostrong kids program

“Enrolling in martial arts classes was something that I had been interested in but, unfortunately; could not find the time. After retiring, I went about researching an appropriate f…” — David

K. W. Karate /Tae Kwon Do Center, karate dojo in El Centro, CA

#9 K. W. Karate /Tae Kwon Do Center

4.9 ★★★★★ 105 reviews · El Centro, CA

Kids & teens expert instruction from a great senseifriendly, respectful dojostrong technique, kata & fundamentals

“I originally wanted to look for a therapy for my high functioning Autistic son who has motor-skills issues. Master Clara Melendez has been so understanding with my child and his sp…” — Joanna

Crescent Moon Karate, karate dojo in Los Angeles, CA

#10 Crescent Moon Karate

5 ★★★★★ 86 reviews · Los Angeles, CA

Free trial Kids & teens friendly, respectful dojostrong kids programbuilds confidence, discipline & respect

“We joined Crescent Moon Karate 6 months ago when my son just turned 4. Our son is very active and like any 4 year old, we struggled a bit with focus and discipline. We were debatin…” — Saruul

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