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Cincinnati Shotokan Karate-Do

4.9 ★★★★★ 11 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Cincinnati, Ohio

Part of Shotokan Karate (JKA)

Karate dojo Affiliated 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

  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule cincinnatishotokankarate.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 513-385-4830

Hours

Monday 7–9 pm
Tuesday 7–9:30 pm
Wednesday 7–9 pm
Thursday 7–9:30 pm
Friday Open 24 hours
Saturday Closed
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 Cincinnati Shotokan Karate-Do, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 2 mentions

“I've known Sensei Holley for many years and have sent several of my children to him.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“An excellent technician of shotokan karate his teachings transcend self defence and motivate students towards self improvement.”

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 Cincinnati Shotokan Karate-Do — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“An excellent technician of shotokan karate his teachings transcend self defence and motivate students towards self improvement.”

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.

From the reviews

Sensei Holley isnt only teaching self defense. He's teaching humility, honor, confidence, and discernment. I've known Sensei Holley for many years and have sent several of my children to him. I very highly recommend him and his place of instruction.

★★★★★ — Ryan, Jan 2020

I have been a student of Sensei Holley for over 20 years. He is highly experienced with nearly 60 years of training in karate. An excellent technician of shotokan karate his teachings transcend self defence and motivate students towards self improvement. I recommend this dojo to adults and children.

★★★★★ — Kevin, May 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 11 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Cincinnati Shotokan Karate-Do

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 Cincinnati Shotokan Karate-Do

9244 Colerain Ave, Cincinnati, OH45251

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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.