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Goju Karate
4.6 ★★★★★ 20 Google reviews · Karate dojo in New York, New York
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
- 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
- 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
- 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 gojukarate.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 212-729-6470
Hours
| Monday | 1:45–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 5:30–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 1:30–9 pm |
| Thursday | 7:15–9 am, 5:30–8 pm |
| Friday | 1:30–9 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–2 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Started as a member of the Dojo in 2019, after bringing my son for lessons and finding a community that welcomed me with open arms.”
“What I like is that I was a total beginner and felt completely at home here .”
“The dojo offers a wide range of trainings focussed on kata, endurance, meditation, and more.”
What students say
“For anyone who wants to learn and train in traditional Japanese karate, I highly recommend that you check out Goju Karate and get to meet Sensei Michael and his dedicated students!”
“What I like is that I was a total beginner and felt completely at home here .”
“The studio vibes is very friendly and welcoming.”
“I trained regularly at Goju Karate while the dojo was in The San Francisco Bay Area and following the move to NYC I changed to virtual classes.”
“It is not just the physical aspect but also the perspective, the confidence, the responsibility of structure and discipline but always fun.”
From the reviews
The best karate dojo where valued traditional both Okinawian an Japaneese karate school's traditions, philosophy, style, customs that help develop really authentic spirit of Budo, strong confident character which is indispensible in achieving one's life goals.
Wonderful martial arts school with amazing instruction and a good range of classes. I take adult classes and find them challenging, fun, and really interesting. I'm often challenged mentally as much as I'm challenged physically!
I’ve increased my self confidence and physical fitness while learning to better defend myself and get an outstanding workout. Need a challenge? Take endurance class every week 😉 Sensei obviously has a deep and broad knowledge of karatedo; he generously shares his time, knowledge, and encouragement with his students.
Easily the best martial arts school (dojo) in NYC --- and believe me I've tried a lot of them.. The most important reason to train here is Sensei .... The classes are challenging physically and mentally and he keeps me wanting to train. Plus the depth of knowledge and expertise here is insanely great.
New to Karate? Start at Goju Karate
Goju Karate 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 Goju 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.
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