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Berkeley Finn Hall Shotokan Karate

5 ★★★★★ 3 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Berkeley, California

Part of Shotokan Karate (JKA)

Karate dojo Affiliated

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

  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule berkeley.ska.org — book classes and see the live schedule

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 7–8:30 PM
Thursday Closed
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

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

Other martial arts here

Karate dojos are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else students mention training under the same roof at Berkeley Finn Hall Shotokan Karate — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

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 3 Google reviews — in their own words.

traditional style & affiliation 4 mentions

“If you are interested in challenging your mind and body, this traditional Shotokan Karate group is it.”

From the reviews

If you are interested in challenging your mind and body, this traditional Shotokan Karate group is it. They are NOT a commercial dojo and belong to the non-profit Shotokan Karate of America.

★★★★★ — Enrique, Sep 2023

This is a traditional karate group associated with Shotokan Karate of America. Instructions are provided by senior black belts with many years of experience.

★★★★★ — Alex, Feb 2024

Great instruction from many high level teachers. Great larger organization as well.

★★★★★ — Sprite, Apr 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 3 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Berkeley Finn Hall Shotokan Karate

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. 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 Berkeley Finn Hall Shotokan Karate

1819 Tenth St, Berkeley, CA94710

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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.