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Don Nagle's Isshinryu Karate

4.9 ★★★★★ 18 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Jersey City, New Jersey

Part of Isshinryu Karate

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
  • 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 donnaglesisshinryujc.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (201) 723-0270

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 7–9 PM
Wednesday 4:30–6 PM
Thursday 7–9 PM
Friday Closed
Saturday 10 AM–2 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 Don Nagle's Isshinryu Karate, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 2 mentions

“Sensei is very professional, helpful and makes it really easy to teach and learn karate to all children in simple ways.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“I was promoted to Black Belt back in 1975 and belive you me, I can protect myself.”

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 Don Nagle's Isshinryu Karate — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

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 18 Google reviews — in their own words.

traditional style & affiliation 4 mentions

“If you want to learn traditional Isshinryu karate without breaking the bank this is the place to go.”

From the reviews

I'm 70 years old.. went to Don's karate school in the late 70s to early 80s.. was great . Don was helluva character.. n incredibly fast n precise master.. I'm impressed the school is still around... they called me ooosh.. n Mr. Manning also was there very impressive too. God bless you guys .. I became a brown belt..

★★★★★ — Fred, Jan 2026

i am a member of Don Nagle's Isshinryu Karate school and I have visited this school. If you want to learn how to defend your self this is the school to join. I was promoted to Black Belt back in 1975 and belive you me, I can protect myself.

★★★★★ — Andrew, Jul 2021

When I first joined the Karate class, I was really bad and can't even get a punch right. Later onwards, I was really improved and impressed, got better because of Sensie's teaching. Now I reached to the black belt level.

★★★★★ — Prasanna, Jul 2021

If you want to learn traditional Isshinryu karate without breaking the bank this is the place to go. Master Dennis Hoare is one of Don Nagle’s original students and has great knowledge of this Okinawan style of fighting.

★★★★★ — Sean, Mar 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 18 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Don Nagle's Isshinryu 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.

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 Don Nagle's Isshinryu Karate

371 Central Ave, Jersey City, NJ07307

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.