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Gin Ryu (Silver Dragon) Martial Arts Academy LLC
5 ★★★★★ 17 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Richmond, Kentucky
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
- Membership memberships around $70/mo — many dojos also offer a discounted first month and family plans, so ask about new-student rates
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule ginryukarate.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (859) 582-8827
Hours
| Monday | 6:30–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 5–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 5–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 5–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 5–8:30 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My son has been taking karate at Gin Ryu for 3 years now and I am so impressed with what he has learned so far and how much his confidence has improved.”
“I joined Gin Ryu Martial Arts Academy with absolutely no experience.”
“I had my teen daughter take lessons just for the self defense aspect.”
“I highly recommend attending Gin Ryu if you have any interest in learning self defense and self discipline.”
Other martial arts here
“I highly recommend attending Gin Ryu if you have any interest in learning self defense and self discipline.”
What students say
“Shihan Botts and his family are great teachers, great mentors, and the standard by which superlative should be judged by.”
“Shihan Botts and his family are great teachers, great mentors, and the standard by which superlative should be judged by.”
“They do a wonderful job of teaching techniques but also explaining how they can be used in real life scenarios.”
“This school has been outstanding for my son. Mr Botts commands great focus and attention in a manner that is humble and not intimidating to children.”
“Richmond is so fortunate to have this opportunity for learning the art of Shotokan karate from such a distinguished master of martial arts.”
“My son has been taking karate at Gin Ryu for 3 years now and I am so impressed with what he has learned so far and how much his confidence has improved.”
From the reviews
Very proud to be an affiliate of this dojo. Family friendly environment and great instructor. Look forward to making my way back up there.
The Gin Ryu (Silver Dragon) Martial Arts Academy, provides quality Shotokan Karate instruction. Shihan Dwayne exemplifies what it means to be a true educator of the martial arts! He cares greatly about his students and their well-being!
Gin Ryu Dojo has become my second home. I love being there, and being a member of the awesome Karate-ka that I share classes with. Shihan Botts and his family are great teachers, great mentors, and the standard by which superlative should be judged by.
Gin Ryu Karate school is an excellent place to learn martial arts. The silver dragon academy is by FAR the best place in the Richmond area to learn the art of Karate and grow as an individual. With a long history of practicing and competing as a martial artist, Shihan Dwayne Botts is an excellent teacher.
New to Karate? Start at Gin Ryu (Silver Dragon) Martial Arts Academy LLC
Gin Ryu (Silver Dragon) Martial Arts Academy LLC comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo, going by their listing and students’ reviews. If you've never thrown a punch or set foot in a dojo, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and the sensei scales the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable dojos build fundamentals (stances, blocks, punches, and kicks) for weeks, and kumite (sparring) eases in gradually, with pads and control. Third, all levels and ages really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most dojos are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first Karate class at Gin Ryu (Silver Dragon) Martial Arts Academy LLC
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.
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