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Goju-Ryu Seiwa-Kai Karate of LA

5 ★★★★★ 19 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Los Angeles, California

Part of Goju-Ryu Karate

Karate dojo Affiliated Kids & teens

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
  • 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 karateofla.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 424-273-1000

Hours

Monday 3:30–8 PM
Tuesday 3:30–6:30 PM
Wednesday 3:30–6:30 PM
Thursday 3:30–8 PM
Friday 3:30–8 PM
Saturday 10 AM–2 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 Goju-Ryu Seiwa-Kai Karate of LA, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 6 mentions

“Also the kids/teens classes are great for students wanting to learn karate and/or take their skills to the next level.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

Teens 2 mentions

“Also the kids/teens classes are great for students wanting to learn karate and/or take their skills to the next level.”

All dojos that run teens →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“Not only will you learn self defense but will have more self confidence, discipline, and drive to accomplish goals.”

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 Goju-Ryu Seiwa-Kai Karate of LA — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense

“Not only will you learn self defense but will have more self confidence, discipline, and drive to accomplish goals.”

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 19 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 7 mentions

“I have trained with Shihan Naidoo in his Santa Monica Dojo, and I can tell you that he is one of the most knowledgeable instructors that you will find anywhere in the world.”

friendly, respectful dojo 4 mentions

“It is a traditional karate studio with a family atmosphere.”

traditional style & affiliation 9 mentions

“Since I have known Vassie Shihan (1995) he has always been a kind person, intelligent and tough instructor, and an expert coach of Goju Ryu Karate Do.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 6 mentions

“Not only will you learn self defense but will have more self confidence, discipline, and drive to accomplish goals.”

From the reviews

This dojo has the highest quality of karate instruction that anyone can find in the greater Los Angeles area! I highly recommend the adult classes for skilled karate practitioners and beginners alike. Also the kids/teens classes are great for students wanting to learn karate and/or take their skills to the next level.

★★★★★ — Conrad, Oct 2021

I have trained with Shihan Naidoo in his Santa Monica Dojo, and I can tell you that he is one of the most knowledgeable instructors that you will find anywhere in the world. As an instructor, he is able to teach the beginning student as well as the most advanced student.

★★★★★ — Mark, Jan 2013

I’ve been a student and instructor for the past 25 years. It’s been my home and family. It’s great environment for anyone looking to enhance their life in ever aspect. Kids, teens, and adults. Our head instructor Shihan Vassie Naidoo 8th degree black belt and is an amazing teacher.

★★★★★ — Fiji2205, Aug 2025

Since I have known Vassie Shihan (1995) he has always been a kind person, intelligent and tough instructor, and an expert coach of Goju Ryu Karate Do. I have met a lot of instructors of many styles. Dojo, law enforcement, military instructors, and some shams.

★★★★★ — Brian, Jan 2016

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 19 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Goju-Ryu Seiwa-Kai Karate of LA

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 Goju-Ryu Seiwa-Kai Karate of LA

12416 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA90025

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.