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Desert Valley Shotokan Karate

5 ★★★★★ 1 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Mesa, Arizona

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 (ages 7–13) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • 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 desertvalleyshotokan.com — book classes and see the live schedule

Hours

Monday 6–8:30 PM
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 6–8:30 PM
Thursday Closed
Friday Closed
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 Desert Valley Shotokan Karate, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

From the reviews

教師が入ってきたのは見たけど、ヨーロッパ系の顔立ちだった。でも沖縄の精神がその足取りや目つきににじみ出ていて、危険な相手に見えた。エミリーは私のレビューの由来について尋ねているようだったけど、彼は知らなかったようだ。その間ずっと、私は彼の動きを観察していた。 I've only seen a teacher come in he is of European descent but the spirit of okinawa is in his step and looks to be a dangerous opponent.

★★★★★ — R, May 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 1 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Desert Valley Shotokan 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. 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 Desert Valley Shotokan Karate

YMCA, Ross Farnsworth East Valley, 807 S Sunview, Mesa, AZ85206

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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.