HomeNew YorkVestal › Fairbanks Karate

Fairbanks Karate

4.8 ★★★★★ 24 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Vestal, New York

Karate dojo Free trial Affiliated Kids & teens Private lessons Weapons / kobudo Competition team

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
  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Private lessons private, one-on-one instruction available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
  • 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 fairbankskarate.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (607) 372-0936

Hours

Monday 4:30–7:30 PM
Tuesday 4:30–7:30 PM
Wednesday 4–7:30 PM
Thursday 4–7:30 PM
Friday 4–7:30 PM
Saturday 9 AM–12 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 Fairbanks Karate, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 8 mentions

“The instructors facilitated an obstacle course and a bunch of games for the kids, and led them through some basic karate instruction.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🥋 Adult Karate 2 mentions

“My husband and I go to the adult classes, and we love it.”

All dojos that run adult karate →

⚔️ Weapons (Kobudo)

All dojos that run weapons (kobudo) →

👤 Private Lessons 2 mentions

All dojos that run private lessons →

What students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 24 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 3 mentions

“Master Fairbanks is amazingly patient and kind.”

friendly, respectful dojo 12 mentions

“They have several teachers that are very pleasant and it's a very family oriented environment.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 2 mentions

“Great place to train, skills and technique are strongly emphasized.”

active competition / tournament team 3 mentions

“I have met the instructors at tournaments.”

💵 good value / fair pricing 2 mentions

“No contract, affordable prices, special events and more.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 4 mentions

“If you want to get fit and improve your focus and mindfulness, this school would be a great start.”

From the reviews

Fairbanks Karate is a awesome place to train for all ages. Master Fairbanks is truly exceptional and knowledgeable of the Tang Soo Do style.

★★★★★ — Sam, Oct 2019

I just wanted to give a big shoutout to Fairbanks Karate! If you’re looking for a fun birthday party venue, definitely reach out to them. We had 20 kiddos for my 5 year old’s birthday party and it was awesome.

★★★★★ — Mandy, Apr 2025

I like Fairbanks karate. They have multiple sliding fee scales and several choices for type of lessons. They have several teachers that are very pleasant and it's a very family oriented environment. Look out for the specials offered. My son enjoys the pizza and movie night (a.k.a parents fyi session).😉

★★★★☆ — Tara, Feb 2022

My whole family trains together at Fairbanks. It’s honestly our second family! The instructors are amazing people. It’s a very positive environment, and truly fosters learning. The growth and maturity I have seen develop in my children has been amazing.

★★★★★ — Suzanne, Feb 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 24 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks Karate

604 Vestal Pkwy W, Vestal, NY13850

Get directions

More Karate dojos near Vestal

Hidy Ochiai Karate

4.7 ★★★★★ 13 reviews

317 Vestal Pkwy W, Vestal, NY

Karate dojo Kids & teens Competition team Affiliated builds confidence, discipline & respect

under a mile away

Educational Karate Program

317 Vestal Pkwy W, Vestal, NY

Karate dojo Kids & teens Competition team

under a mile away

Tri City Karate Academy LLC

4.8 ★★★★★ 26 reviews

140 Vestal Pkwy E Suite 3, Vestal, NY

🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site

Memberships around $290/mo Ages 3–4

Karate dojo Free trial Kids & teens Competition team welcoming to beginnersfriendly, respectful dojostrong kids program

under a mile away

All Karate dojos in Vestal, NY →

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.