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Karate Classes in Santa Cruz, CA

Santa Cruz has 2 Karate dojos — including 1 with a free trial and 1 with kids' classes. Every listing is ranked by what members say (Google rating weighted by review count) and shows live open-now hours and the classes each dojo runs, so you can find your dojo and book your first class. All ages and levels welcome — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start.

Santa Cruz Karate

5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews

124 Clay St, Santa Cruz, CA

🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site

Ages 4+

Karate dojo Free trial Kids & teens Affiliated

Tiida-ryu Matsubayashi Shorin ryu Karate

113 Trescony St, Santa Cruz, CA

Karate dojo Affiliated

Good to know in Santa Cruz

For a recognized style organization or franchise (think Shotokan/JKA, Kyokushin, Tiger Schulmann's, Villari's), members point to Santa Cruz Karate and Tiida-ryu Matsubayashi Shorin ryu Karate.

Plan your first class

This dojo offers a free trial, free first class, or intro offer — the low-risk way to try karate before you commit. Check each dojo's schedule for the current offer.

Free trial & intro classes, dojo by dojo →

Kids & teen karate in Santa Cruz

This dojo runs kids' or youth classes — supervised, confidence-building, and focused on discipline, respect, and self-defense. Check each dojo's schedule for age groups and times.

Kids Karate, city by city →

Karate in Santa Cruz: quick answers

How much does karate cost a month in Santa Cruz?
Most Santa Cruz dojos don't post prices online. Karate is usually sold as a monthly membership, and rates vary by dojo and style. Many offer a free or discounted first class, so you can visit before you commit — see our cost guide for typical price ranges.
Do any Santa Cruz dojos offer a free trial or free first class?
Yes — 1 of the 2 dojos in Santa Cruz advertise a free trial, free first class, or intro offer, including Santa Cruz Karate. Offers change, so confirm on the dojo's site before you go.
I'm a total beginner — can I start karate in Santa Cruz?
Yes. Karate welcomes complete beginners, and you don't need to be fit or have any experience first — the training gets you in shape. Most dojos run dedicated beginner or all-levels classes. Sparring (kumite) is introduced gradually, kept light and supervised, and a good dojo never pressures newcomers — you learn the basics, stances, and forms at your own pace, starting at white belt.
Are there kids' karate classes in Santa Cruz?
Yes — 1 Santa Cruz dojo runs kids' or youth karate, with some classes starting as young as age 4. Youth programs focus on confidence, discipline, respect, and fun in a supervised setting; check each dojo's schedule for age groups and times.

More: How much Karate costs · Your first class · What to wear

Karate dojos near Santa Cruz