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Goju Karate Center
4.9 ★★★★★ 45 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Carlsbad, California
Part of Goju-Ryu Karate
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
- 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 gojukaratecenter.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (760) 583-4191
Hours
| Monday | 3:30–7:30 PM |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 4–8 PM |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | 3:30–7:30 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My husband started here as a kid with a white belt and over 20 years later, earned his second degree black belt with his same instructor.”
Other martial arts here
What students say
“In all my years of training I have never worked with 2 people who are so well rounded, talented, incredible instructors and great people.”
“The other students in the dojo are very kind and accomplished as well, and I immediately felt welcomed by all when I first started training here.”
“10 years ago when I started looking for a new instructor, I wasn't just looking for good karate, I was looking for good people.”
“They have experience across multiple forms of combat, and at the heart of it all is the purest form of Okinawan goju karate that is easy to fall in love with.”
“Sensei Paul Enfield and Sensei Michelle Vanderlinden-Enfield are world leaders in goju karate and set the bar higher than I've ever seen before in terms of leadership.”
“He has been made to feel welcome since the beginning and all of the instructors lead through kindness and patience, while teaching discipline and instilling confidence.”
From the reviews
This is, without a doubt, one of the finest locations for authentic karate training that I have ever visited. Sensei Paul Enfield has several decades of diligent training experience that has lead to a profound level of skill and understanding of advanced karate concepts.
This dojo is truly a hidden treasure! If you are seeking a place to learn traditional karate, then look no further! Sensei Paul Enfield and Sensei Michelle Enfield are truly of the highest caliber, both as instructors and as people. I have found their instruction to be practical, insightful, and thought-provoking.
As a martial artist of almost 40 years, there is nothing I don't like about GKC and the instructors. Sensei Paul Enfield and Sensei Michelle Vanderlinden-Enfield are world leaders in goju karate and set the bar higher than I've ever seen before in terms of leadership.
Whether on the digital platform or in person you would be hard pressed to engage with a warmer more pleasant couple of people than Paul and Michelle Enfield. Having the renowned reputation, body of knowledge and skill that they do, encountering their genuine friendliness and warmth is very welcomed.
Your first Karate class at Goju Karate Center
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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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site