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Karate Classes in Santa Monica, CA
Santa Monica has 3 Karate dojos — including 2 with a free trial, 2 beginner-friendly, and 2 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.
Longevity Martial Arts Centers
5 ★★★★★ 40 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Santa Monica Dojo (Shotokan Karate)
4.9 ★★★★★ 14 reviews
Beyond Karate
4.1 ★★★★☆ 10 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Good to know in Santa Monica
1 of the 3 dojos with posted hours are open on Sundays.
For a recognized style organization or franchise (think Shotokan/JKA, Kyokushin, Tiger Schulmann's, Villari's), members point to Santa Monica Dojo (Shotokan Karate).
Plan your first class
These dojos offer 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.
- Longevity Martial Arts Centers ★★★★★ 5 (40)
- Beyond Karate ★★★★☆ 4.1 (10)
New to karate?
These dojos are called out by members as welcoming to beginners — go at your own pace, ask questions, and know that sparring (kumite) builds up slowly and stays light and supervised. Everyone in the room started at white belt.
- Longevity Martial Arts Centers ★★★★★ 5 (40)
- Santa Monica Dojo (Shotokan Karate) ★★★★★ 4.9 (14)
Kids & teen karate in Santa Monica
These dojos run 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.
- Longevity Martial Arts Centers ★★★★★ 5 (40)
- Beyond Karate ★★★★☆ 4.1 (10)
Karate in Santa Monica: quick answers
- How much does karate cost a month in Santa Monica?
- Most Santa Monica 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 Monica dojos offer a free trial or free first class?
- Yes — 2 of the 3 dojos in Santa Monica advertise a free trial, free first class, or intro offer, including Longevity Martial Arts Centers, Beyond Karate. Offers change, so confirm on the dojo's site before you go.
- I'm a total beginner — can I start karate in Santa Monica?
- Yes. Karate welcomes complete beginners, and you don't need to be fit or have any experience first — the training gets you in shape. 2 Santa Monica dojos are highlighted by members as beginner-friendly. 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 Monica?
- Yes — 2 Santa Monica dojos run kids' or youth karate, with some classes starting as young as age 3. Youth programs focus on confidence, discipline, respect, and fun in a supervised setting; check each dojo's schedule for age groups and times.