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Bob Otto's School of Karate

5 ★★★★★ 20 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Edgewater, Florida

Karate dojo Affiliated Beginners welcome Kids & teens

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

  • Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule bobottoskarate.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 386-423-2008

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 6:30–8:30 pm
Wednesday 6:30–7:30 pm
Thursday 6:30–8:30 pm
Friday 6–7:30 pm
Saturday 10–11 am
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 Bob Otto's School of Karate, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 5 mentions

“My grandson Collin has attended the school for almost a year and our whole family has enjoyed observing the classes.”

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🌀 Kata (Forms) 2 mentions

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💪 Women's Karate

“I joined the UST class because as a woman who routinely has to venture into high crime areas I thought it would be wise to learn some self defense tactics.”

All dojos that run women's karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense 5 mentions

“I joined the UST class because as a woman who routinely has to venture into high crime areas I thought it would be wise to learn some self defense tactics.”

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 Bob Otto's School of Karate — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🥋 Jiu-Jitsu 2 mentions

Other dojos that also teach jiu-jitsu →

🥊 Kickboxing 2 mentions

Other dojos that also teach kickboxing →

🐉 Kung Fu 3 mentions

Other dojos that also teach kung fu →

🛡️ Self-Defense 7 mentions

“I joined the UST class because as a woman who routinely has to venture into high crime areas I thought it would be wise to learn some self defense tactics.”

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 20 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 2 mentions

“Bob and the other sensei are knowledgeable and very professional.”

friendly, respectful dojo 5 mentions

“My grandson Collin has attended the school for almost a year and our whole family has enjoyed observing the classes.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 3 mentions

“I've been attending for about two years, and I still can't put into words how beautiful everything about this art form is.”

great workout & fitness 2 mentions

“I canceled my gym membership due to the conditioning I get in class.”

traditional style & affiliation 6 mentions
builds confidence, discipline & respect 8 mentions

“I don’t know a lot about this world, but I know it’s teaching her Karate, discipline, and a positive sense of personal achievement and respect of others.”

From the reviews

I never got a chance to train with Mr otto but his personal skills are awesome he spoke with me was up front and honest he also teaches a style that is great for self defense and is in my opinion the most effective form of karate for self defense uechi ryu I've heard nothing but good of Mr Otto and his school I pray…

★★★★★ — Erik, Sep 2024

I joined the UST class because as a woman who routinely has to venture into high crime areas I thought it would be wise to learn some self defense tactics. The training is awesome and realistic (unlike some other "self defense" classes I took in the past). Expect to get into shape...

★★★★★ — Shirley, Oct 2009

I've been attending for about two years, and I still can't put into words how beautiful everything about this art form is. Whenever I'm training, I always think about the history that this dojo is carrying. Every move I do was carefully thought-out many years ago by the masters who developed it.

★★★★★ — Jonah, Apr 2018

My daughter who is 7 has loved learning Karate here. I don’t know a lot about this world, but I know it’s teaching her Karate, discipline, and a positive sense of personal achievement and respect of others.

★★★★★ — Justin, Jan 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 20 reviews →

New to Karate? Start at Bob Otto's School of Karate

Bob Otto's School of Karate comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo — noted on their own site. If you've never thrown a punch or set foot in a dojo, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and the sensei scales the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable dojos build fundamentals (stances, blocks, punches, and kicks) for weeks, and kumite (sparring) eases in gradually, with pads and control. Third, all levels and ages really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most dojos are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first Karate class at Bob Otto's School of 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 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 Bob Otto's School of Karate

101 N Ridgewood Ave, Edgewater, FL32132

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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.