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El Dojo NYC

5 ★★★★★ 60 Google reviews · Karate dojo in New York, New York

Free trial Kids & teens

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
  • 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 eldojonyc.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 646-899-7379

Hours

Monday 11:30 am–8 pm
Tuesday 11:30 am–8 pm
Wednesday 11:30 am–8 pm
Thursday 11:30 am–8 pm
Friday 11:30 am–8 pm
Saturday 8:45 am–1:30 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 El Dojo NYC, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 31 mentions

“They are a family-run business and truly believe in core values that help children learn and grow to become the best versions of themselves.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

Teens

“My teen loves going there 3 times a week.”

All dojos that run teens →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“Super training in Martial Arts Self Defense.”

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 El Dojo NYC — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“Super training in Martial Arts Self Defense.”

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 60 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 3 mentions

“Mr Sevilla is a great teacher for my kid's age group (3-5).”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 3 mentions

“The welcoming environment created by Luis and Thomas is the perfect and increasingly rare blend of encouragement, discipline, challenge, and fun.”

friendly, respectful dojo 16 mentions

“The welcoming environment created by Luis and Thomas is the perfect and increasingly rare blend of encouragement, discipline, challenge, and fun.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 2 mentions

“Savilla and his team don't just teach martial arts techniques; they also emphasize respect, discipline, and teamwork in a way that feels natural and meaningful for little ones.”

🧒 strong kids program 7 mentions

“I myself enjoy seeing him in action, and my kid learns from class to class about discipline, focus, and how to control their body.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 30 mentions

“Savilla and his team don't just teach martial arts techniques; they also emphasize respect, discipline, and teamwork in a way that feels natural and meaningful for little ones.”

From the reviews

Our son Zayn begun his first lesson a few weeks ago at El Dojo and we couldn’t be happier with our experience so far. Luis made sure our son was ready before committing to a membership and offered free trial classes prior to us beginning the program.

★★★★★ — Nesrine, Dec 2024

Mr. Sevilla is an amazing instructor! I trained with him 15 years ago at a prior school and just recently resumed training with him at this school. He's pushing me just hard enough to get back into shape but understanding that it will take a bit to get to the level I was at.

★★★★★ — David, Oct 2025

My daughter loves this place and I love this place. It has such a great energy! There is respect, fun, hard work, discipline - all the things that kids should learn! I’m very grateful that a friend of mine introduced us to El Dojo!

★★★★★ — Diana, Oct 2025

Super training in Martial Arts Self Defense. The Sense really loves childr n if all ages. Large bright fully equipped gym. The most usefulbself defense exercise and discipline.

★★★★★ — Luis, Jun 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 60 reviews →

Your first Karate class at El Dojo NYC

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 El Dojo NYC

1162 2nd Ave, New York, NY10065

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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.