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Boston Shotokan Karate
5 ★★★★★ 5 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Boston, Massachusetts
Part of Shotokan Karate (JKA)
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
- Membership memberships around $50/mo — many dojos also offer a discounted first month and family plans, so ask about new-student rates
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule boston.ska.org — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 617-752-2780
Hours
| Monday | 6:30–8 pm |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 6:30–8 pm |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 8–9:30 am |
| Sunday | Closed |
Other martial arts here
What students say
“I resumed my karate practice after a very long hiatus, starting again as a white belt with SKA Boston, and recently becoming a black belt.”
“You are all fortunate to be able to study under Johnson Chung, a true Shotokan paragon but also a humble and extremely kind person and generous teacher.”
“What I like about SKA is that it embodies very traditional Shotokan Karate with no frills, just authentic and disciplined practice.”
From the reviews
Experienced and dedicated instructors teach traditional Shotokan karate at this dojo of Shotokan Karate of America. Dojo members have different backgrounds and skill levels, but all share an honest attitude, strong mentality, and a desire to learn and understand their martial art.
I started training at SKA Boston as a white belt and am now a black belt, and it’s been an incredible journey. What I like about SKA is that it embodies very traditional Shotokan Karate with no frills, just authentic and disciplined practice.
I resumed my karate practice after a very long hiatus, starting again as a white belt with SKA Boston, and recently becoming a black belt. Through the guidance of my seniors, I gradually learned (and relearned) ways of moving and thinking about why certain ways are more effective than others.
Over the years I've had many opportunities to practice with members of the Boston dojo. What a strong group, both in terms of technique and spirit! You are all fortunate to be able to study under Johnson Chung, a true Shotokan paragon but also a humble and extremely kind person and generous teacher.
New to Karate? Start at Boston Shotokan Karate
Boston Shotokan Karate comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo, going by their listing and students’ reviews. 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.
Your first Karate class at Boston 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 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.
More Karate dojos near Boston
Boston Budo
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Uechi Ryu Karate Cambridge
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Villari's Martial Arts Centers
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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site