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Gairyoku Karate Academy

4.9 ★★★★★ 36 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Renton, Washington

Karate dojo Kids & teens Private lessons

Plan your first class

  • 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
  • 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 raikokenkarate.com — book classes and see the live schedule

Hours

Monday 4:15–8 PM
Tuesday 5–8 PM
Wednesday 4:15–8 PM
Thursday 5–8 PM
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 Gairyoku Karate Academy, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 33 mentions

“It is a good mix of instruction, fun and discipline to keep the little ones engaged and challenge the older kids and adults.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🌀 Kata (Forms)

“He practices basics and Kata at home on his own.”

All dojos that run kata (forms) →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“They generously volunteered to host a Self-Defense workshop for the young adult program that I lead, and it was a life-changing experience for everyone who participated.”

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 Gairyoku Karate Academy — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🥊 Kickboxing 2 mentions

“I went to the kickboxing class and Charlie and Andrew were so inspirational and positive.”

Other dojos that also teach kickboxing →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“They generously volunteered to host a Self-Defense workshop for the young adult program that I lead, and it was a life-changing experience for everyone who participated.”

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 36 Google reviews — in their own words.

🌱 welcoming to beginners 3 mentions

“You may or may not see the "hype" this academy brings to me, but as a beginner to martial arts, I will surely recommend this place as a start.”

friendly, respectful dojo 7 mentions

“All the teachers/instructors/ masters are very friendly and cooperative.”

🧒 strong kids program 7 mentions

“My son has more confidence and approaches each situation with more determination with the skills he’s learned over the years.”

traditional style & affiliation 4 mentions

“The Sensei's are highly trained in a variety of martial arts but teach traditional karate at GKA.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 20 mentions

“Both Renshi Charlie and Andrew sensei have been an enormous role model and coach teaching him discipline, responsibility, focus and strength.”

From the reviews

This message is coming from an actual student at this Karate Academy. I don't know if other people will be impacted by my opinion, but I will say this with a passion, from my heart. GKA has been the best place to learn martial arts for me, PERIOD.

★★★★★ — Đại, Jul 2017

I absolutely love this Academy and my kids as well. As a mother I love the fact that both of the instructors are very passionate about teaching their students and are very disciplined. My kids love the fact that they can communicate with their senseis about anything.

★★★★★ — L, Jul 2017

Great school for kids and parents, too, with knowledgeable and fun instructors. You get to learn various karate styles (Shito-ryu, Shotokan, Goju-ryu). My kid has been with them for 3 years, and loves it like in day one.

★★★★★ — Alin, Jul 2017

I went to the kickboxing class and Charlie and Andrew were so inspirational and positive. I had a lot of fun at the class and with the other students. I plan on staying with them for the long run!

★★★★★ — Jaymes, Jul 2017

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 36 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Gairyoku Karate Academy

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 Gairyoku Karate Academy

4025 NE 3rd Pl, Renton, WA98056

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.