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Ciraco's Okinawan Karate
5 ★★★★★ 48 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Surfside Beach, South Carolina
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
- Free trial / intro class most dojos welcome new students with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- 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 (ages 4–12) — 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
- Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule surfsidebeachkarate.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (843) 650-7773
Hours
| Monday | 4–8:15 PM |
| Tuesday | 4–8:15 PM |
| Wednesday | 4–8:15 PM |
| Thursday | 4–8:15 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 9–11:15 AM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Since joining the dojo, my child has not only learned self-defense but she has also become more confident, more outgoing, and willing to try new experiences.”
“Our oldest son, who was five at the time, started in the mini dragon program at the beginning of the year.”
“All due to his hard work and the superior instruction he has received at Ciraco’s Okinawan Karate and Kobudo.”
“In addition to learning practical self-defense techniques, our son’s focus, determination, self-confidence, and self-discipline has grown by leaps and bounds.”
Other martial arts here
“In addition to learning practical self-defense techniques, our son’s focus, determination, self-confidence, and self-discipline has grown by leaps and bounds.”
What students say
“Sensei Josh is patient, attentive, and genuinely cares about each student's progress, making every class enjoyable and rewarding.”
“Not only is Our boy learning martial arts, he’s around a group of positive , caring,passionate,goal oriented, framily ( friends like family).”
“In addition to learning practical self-defense techniques, our son’s focus, determination, self-confidence, and self-discipline has grown by leaps and bounds.”
“Students under their instruction go on to be Incredible competitors and athletes.”
“If anyone was thinking of enrolling their child in a martial arts school I HIGHLY recommend Ciraco's Okinawan Karate.”
“Their teaching goes beyond just karate; they instill values like respect and self-discipline in every lesson, which has positively impacted my daughters both on and off the mat.”
From the reviews
The discipline, courage, character, and other invaluable lessons taught at this dojo are like none other. The instructors are fantastic with kids, and encourage their young black belts to help teach children as well. It is truly an amazing place
Our oldest son has been at this dojo since he was 5 years old and he just competed in the 2021 AAU National Karate Championship and won 2 bronze medals and a gold medal making him a national champion in his 15 year old black belt division.
Ciraco’s Okinawan Karate Dojo has been a transformative experience for my daughters! From the moment we stepped in, Sensei Josh and Shihan Mike created a welcoming atmosphere that encourages growth and learning.
If you are looking for a dojo for yourself or your child there is no other place to go than Ciraco’s in Surfside. They are second to none. The dojo operates on respect and and professionalism, teaching good manners, listening skills, focus, and safety.
New to Karate? Start at Ciraco's Okinawan Karate
Ciraco's Okinawan Karate comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo — noted on their own site. 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 Ciraco's Okinawan 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.
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