HomeCaliforniaTorrance › 1st Class Martial Arts

1st Class Martial Arts

4.9 ★★★★★ 264 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Torrance, California

Kids & teens Weapons / kobudo

Plan your first class

  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Weapons / kobudo traditional weapons (kobudo) classes — kata with the bo, sai, and nunchaku, taught with control and discipline
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule 1stclassmartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 424-399-8180

Hours

Monday 1–8:30 pm
Tuesday 1–8:30 pm
Wednesday 1–8 pm
Thursday 1–8:30 pm
Friday Closed
Saturday 8:45 am–2 pm
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, belt tests, and seminars — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

Karate classes on the schedule at 1st Class Martial Arts, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 40 mentions

“My child absolutely loves and looks forward to class, and I’ve seen a huge boost in confidence, focus, and discipline since she started.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🐉 Little Dragons 3 mentions

“There’s 4 cycles per year, and 5 main levels based on age and level (little samurai, discovery, black belt training, master training, and elite/adult).”

All dojos that run little dragons →

⚔️ Weapons (Kobudo) 2 mentions

“Andres, and has also enjoyed the bo staff seminars hosted by Mr.”

All dojos that run weapons (kobudo) →

🛡️ Self-Defense 5 mentions

“They teach him discipline and self defense and also they give him more confidence on everything he tries to do.”

All dojos that run self-defense →

Other martial arts here

Karate dojos are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else students mention training under the same roof at 1st Class Martial Arts — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🦵 Taekwondo

“My son has been coming here for almost a year and he is absolutely obsessed with taekwondo.”

Other dojos that also teach taekwondo →

🛡️ Self-Defense 5 mentions

“They teach him discipline and self defense and also they give him more confidence on everything he tries to do.”

Other dojos that also teach self-defense →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the dojo's own info — they show what students have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want taekwondo, jiu-jitsu, or kickboxing alongside your Karate, confirm the current schedule with the dojo.

What students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 264 Google reviews — in their own words.

🌱 welcoming to beginners 6 mentions

“The studio creates a welcoming, supportive community where kids feel proud of their progress and supported every step of the way.”

friendly, respectful dojo 17 mentions

“Andre provide a positive, active, encouraging, motivational, supportive, and informative learning environment, which will help our son to earn his black belt in Spring 2027.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 4 mentions

“The kids have fun and learn self defense techniques which was something that I was looking for.”

🧒 strong kids program 11 mentions

“My child absolutely loves and looks forward to class, and I’ve seen a huge boost in confidence, focus, and discipline since she started.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 52 mentions

“My son started here in the Little Samurai program and has grown so much through Master Training, especially in confidence, focus, and self-discipline.”

From the reviews

Our girls (8 & 11) have been with this studio since 2020. I’ve enjoyed watching my girls grow stronger both mentally and physically. The instructors are passionate and respectful to every one that steps onto the mat. These instructors aren’t just coaches, they are mentors to my kids.

★★★★★ — Liz, Apr 2025

My daughter loves coming to her karate class. All the instructor are helpful and supportive. The kids have fun and learn self defense techniques which was something that I was looking for. I wanted my daughter to learn self defense and discipline. So far she has learn many techniques and she enjoys coming to class.

★★★★★ — Fatima, Apr 2025

Both of my kids attend 1st Class Martial Arts and it has been an amazing experience for our family. The instructors do a great job teaching discipline, respect, and focus while also making the classes fun and engaging for the kids.

★★★★★ — Jason, Mar 2026

My son has been training here since the pandemic, and it has been such a positive experience for our family. The instructors are patient, encouraging, and truly care about the kids—not just as students, but as individuals.

★★★★★ — Carmen, Mar 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 264 reviews →

Your first Karate class at 1st Class Martial Arts

Nervous about walking into a Karate dojo for the first time? Almost everyone is, and a good sensei expects beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic stances, blocks, punches, and kicks — not hard sparring. Step to the side whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot. What to bring: water, and a mouthguard if you have one — many dojos lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gi and the belt your dojo awards you. Kumite (sparring) eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the sensei. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.

Karate is a contact sport. Ease in, train within your limits, listen to your instructors, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find 1st Class Martial Arts

17240 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA90504

Get directions

More Karate dojos near Torrance

All Japan Karate Association

2301 Artesia Blvd, Hermosa Beach, CA

Karate dojo

1.0 miles away

Koshiki Karate-Do

5 ★★★★★ 5 reviews

4333 W 147th St, Lawndale, CA

🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site

Karate dojo Free trial Kids & teens Weapons / kobudo

1.7 miles away

Karate Kung Fu

Aviation Blvd, Redondo Beach, CA

Karate dojo

1.7 miles away

All Karate dojos in Torrance, CA →

Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this dojo? Claim your listing — it's free.