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California Karate Academy

5 ★★★★★ 43 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Vista, California

Karate dojo Kids & teens

Plan your first class

  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule ourkarateacademy.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (760) 522-2091

Hours

Monday 10 AM–8 PM
Tuesday 10 AM–8 PM
Wednesday 10 AM–8 PM
Thursday 10 AM–8 PM
Friday 10 AM–7:30 PM
Saturday 8:30 AM–12:30 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 California Karate Academy, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 47 mentions

“We cannot thank SBN Mikita, SBN Arango, Coach Brent and their entire staff enough for the care, discipline, skill and confidence that the experience has given to both of my sons.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“The karate skills they have learned are great, but they have also learned respect, manners, self defense, commitment, responsibility, and self discipline.”

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 California Karate Academy — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense

“The karate skills they have learned are great, but they have also learned respect, manners, self defense, commitment, responsibility, and self discipline.”

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 43 Google reviews — in their own words.

friendly, respectful dojo 14 mentions

“She thoroughly enjoyed learning from Sah Bum Nim Arango (the master instructor) and the other instructors, who were incredibly patient, knowledgeable, and supportive.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 2 mentions

“My son actually remembers the Korean words and even the names of the forms — which, honestly, I didn’t expect!”

🧒 strong kids program 6 mentions

“Unfortunately, we had to move and could no longer continue at the academy, which was a very difficult decision given how much my daughter loved being there.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 33 mentions

“We cannot thank SBN Mikita, SBN Arango, Coach Brent and their entire staff enough for the care, discipline, skill and confidence that the experience has given to both of my sons.”

From the reviews

I can't recommend CKA enough. My son started there a couple years ago, then my daughter, husband, and I recently started attended the adults classes. My children have gained not only knowledge of Tang Soo Do, but have also improved their focus, listening skills, confidence, as well as made many new friends.

★★★★★ — Catrina, Jun 2025

The classes here are so well thought out. Kids aren’t just doing moves — they’re also learning the culture, the discipline, and the meaning behind what they do. They count in Korean, learn the names of kicks and punches, follow basic commands, and practice showing respect — to their instructors, to each other, and…

★★★★★ — Socal, Aug 2025

My daughter attended the California Karate Academy at the Vista location for over a year, and it was a wonderful experience. She thoroughly enjoyed learning from Sah Bum Nim Arango (the master instructor) and the other instructors, who were incredibly patient, knowledgeable, and supportive.

★★★★★ — Niharika, May 2025

I am so thankful that I found California Karate Academy, my daughter attends classes in the Vista studio, and all the instructors are extremely professional, passionate, helpful and friendly.

★★★★★ — Dallanely, Aug 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 43 reviews →

Your first Karate class at California Karate Academy

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 California Karate Academy

1688 S Melrose Dr Ste 204, Vista, CA92081

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.