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Budo Kai Karate

4.2 ★★★★☆ 10 Google reviews · Karate dojo in River Edge, New Jersey

Karate dojo Kids & teens Competition team

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
  • Website & schedule budokaikarate.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (201) 265-8109

The classes they run

Karate classes on the schedule at Budo Kai Karate, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🥊 Kumite / Sparring

“within 4 years of joining, under his guidance, I won the AAU NJ State championship in karate (sparring), the New York State championship in karate .”

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Teens

“In sum, Sensei Rick changed my adolescent life .”

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What students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 10 Google reviews — in their own words.

traditional style & affiliation 2 mentions

“literally made me feel like I'd been transported to Okinawa, Japan!”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 5 mentions

“Great energy, Sensei Rick makes class entertaining enough to keep the kids engaged while stressing respect and discipline.”

From the reviews

I was 13 year old punk when i joined nearly 40 years ago! I was wild and undisciplined and lazy. The day I entered the Budokai Dojo ... I immediately sensed a strict yet energetic aura in the classes. The powerful atmosphere and the beautiful, polished, glimmering, spotlessly clean space ...

★★★★★ — Mason, Aug 2022

Great energy, Sensei Rick makes class entertaining enough to keep the kids engaged while stressing respect and discipline. He is great with young students, highly recommend this School.

★★★★★ — Andrew, Feb 2022

Beautifully decorated and maintained dojo. Nice waiting area and staff is really top notch. Plenty of parking, just be mindful of the entrance/exit because it can be tricky to navigate.

★★★★★ — Brian, Jan 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 10 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Budo Kai 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 Budo Kai Karate

812 Kinderkamack Rd, River Edge, NJ07661

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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.