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Bushikan Karate Dojo

5 ★★★★★ 21 Google reviews · Karate dojo in San Marcos, California

Karate dojo Affiliated Beginners welcome Kids & teens Weapons / kobudo

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
  • Weapons / kobudo traditional weapons (kobudo) classes — kata with the bo, sai, and nunchaku, taught with control and discipline
  • Adult classes adult Karate classes — training built for grown-ups, from fitness and fundamentals to kumite (sparring) at your own pace
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule bushikankarate.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 760-744-5560

Hours

Monday 9 am–7 pm
Tuesday 9 am–8:30 pm
Wednesday 9 am–7 pm
Thursday 9 am–8:30 pm
Friday Closed
Saturday 9 am–12 pm
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 Bushikan Karate Dojo, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 12 mentions

“Sensai Chrisan and Sensai Franco teach the kids so much more than karate and in such supportive, thoughtful and fun ways.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🌱 Beginners 2 mentions

“The close family spirit of this dojo is amazing and will encourage the most timid beginner to blossom and develop new skills and confidence.”

All dojos that run beginners →

⚔️ Weapons (Kobudo) 8 mentions

“For experienced martial artists, even if you dont have experience in traditional Okinawana karate or kobudo, I highly encourage you to come train here.”

All dojos that run weapons (kobudo) →

What students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 21 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 3 mentions

“Sanguinetti Sensei is the most knowledgeable person in all aspects of Okinawan training, culture, language, and philosophy I have ever met outside of Okinawa.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 3 mentions

“The close family spirit of this dojo is amazing and will encourage the most timid beginner to blossom and develop new skills and confidence.”

friendly, respectful dojo 12 mentions

“Sensai Chrisan and Sensai Franco teach the kids so much more than karate and in such supportive, thoughtful and fun ways.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 2 mentions

“New students will enjoy the journey through traditional Okinawan Karate history, discipline and techniques that are not offered in most other martial art studios.”

traditional style & affiliation 18 mentions

“New students will enjoy the journey through traditional Okinawan Karate history, discipline and techniques that are not offered in most other martial art studios.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 15 mentions

“Teaching is focused not just on karate but also on traditional values such as respect, teamwork, mastery of self, and other real-life foundational principles, etc.”

From the reviews

A Karate Journey Rooted in Tradition and Dedication As a child, I grew up watching and idolizing the legendary Mr. Miyagi in "Karate Kid." The idea of martial arts, respect, tradition, and the path to earning one's belt always intrigued me.

★★★★★ — Yashar, Jan 2024

You will find no better dojo than this for traditional training in karate and kobudo. Sanguinetti Sensei is the most knowledgeable person in all aspects of Okinawan training, culture, language, and philosophy I have ever met outside of Okinawa.

★★★★★ — Brian, Feb 2026

Senseis Sanguinetti and Robinson have created an oasis of respect and passion for learning for the community of San Marcos where they have for decades shared traditional Okinawan martial arts techniques, philosophies, and VALUES to students of all ages.

★★★★★ — David, Feb 2025

Sensei Sanguinetti has an amazing traditional dojo that has respect, honor, and education as its foundation. The adults and and children that practice with him become family and achieve things well beyond their years.

★★★★★ — Jason, Feb 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 21 reviews →

New to Karate? Start at Bushikan Karate Dojo

Bushikan Karate Dojo 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first Karate class at Bushikan Karate Dojo

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 Bushikan Karate Dojo

1945 S Rancho Santa Fe Rd Ste D, San Marcos, CA92078

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.