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Almeida's Shotokan Karate School​

4.9 ★★★★★ 13 Google reviews · Karate dojo in New Bedford, Massachusetts

Part of Shotokan Karate (JKA)

Karate dojo Affiliated Kids & teens Competition team

Affiliated dojo — reviews and the dojo's own info point to a recognized Karate style organization or franchise (think Shotokan/JKA, Kyokushin, Goju-Ryu, Isshinryu, Tiger Schulmann's or Villari's). If lineage matters to you, ask which style and organization the dojo belongs to, and under whom the head sensei earned their black belt.

Plan your first class

  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Phone +1 508-728-4202

Hours

Monday 5:30–8 pm
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 5:30–8 pm
Thursday 7–8 pm
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed
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 Almeida's Shotokan Karate School​, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 12 mentions

“Most importantly is the fact that this a family run business & the Almeidas as caring people who want the best the kids that go there.”

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🥊 Kumite / Sparring

“Mind, body, spirit, sport, weapons, sparring, self defense and street.”

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Teens

“I started as a student in 1978 under Kancho John (then Sensei) he was a strong influence in my development as a young girl then into my teens.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense 3 mentions

“The instructors do a fantastic job of teaching traditional Shotokan karate techinques, practical self defense, and excellent physical conditioning.”

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 Almeida's Shotokan Karate School​ — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense 3 mentions

“The instructors do a fantastic job of teaching traditional Shotokan karate techinques, practical self defense, and excellent physical conditioning.”

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 13 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 4 mentions

“Sensei Johnny is amazing at getting people physically in shape, very modern day sports oriented in his workouts while still maintaining a certain level of tradition.”

friendly, respectful dojo 7 mentions

“Most importantly is the fact that this a family run business & the Almeidas as caring people who want the best the kids that go there.”

great workout & fitness 3 mentions

“The instructors do a fantastic job of teaching traditional Shotokan karate techinques, practical self defense, and excellent physical conditioning.”

active competition / tournament team 3 mentions

“Julia has come very far in a short amount of time time even winning 2 trophies in her first tournament.”

traditional style & affiliation 8 mentions

“The instructors do a fantastic job of teaching traditional Shotokan karate techinques, practical self defense, and excellent physical conditioning.”

💵 good value / fair pricing 2 mentions

“On top of all of that, they are affordable and treat all of their students like they are one big family!”

From the reviews

You will not find a better Karate instructor ANYWHERE, Guaranteed. 1) About half the price of his competition 2) Kids and adults really learn how to defend themselves, not just fake through 3) Most respected instructor by his peers and Nationally I have ever met 4) Multiple time National Champ when that mattered 5)…

★★★★★ — Tony, Nov 2019

I started as a student in 1978 under Kancho John (then Sensei) he was a strong influence in my development as a young girl then into my teens. He showed me a girl could be tough and strong and stand up to any male. He taught me to work hard and strive for my personal best.

★★★★★ — Zazabelle, Feb 2023

My daughter Julia has been a student here since November 2019 and the Almeida family do an overall incredible job with the kids. Sensei John is an awesome instructor. He his patient with the kids and his style of teaching is really easy for the kids to understand.

★★★★★ — Shotokan, Mar 2020

Awesome place to get the family into martial arts. Great physical and mental training regardless of age. Sensei Johnny is amazing at getting people physically in shape, very modern day sports oriented in his workouts while still maintaining a certain level of tradition.

★★★★★ — The, Aug 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 13 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Almeida's Shotokan Karate School​

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 Almeida's Shotokan Karate School​

304 Bolton St #107, New Bedford, MA02740

Get directions

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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.