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Harmony By Karate - Upper West Side

5 ★★★★★ 56 Google reviews · Karate dojo in New York, New York

Karate dojo Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons

Plan your first class

  • 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
  • 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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule harmonybykarate.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 646-387-2073

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 4–6:30 pm
Wednesday 4–6:30 pm
Thursday 4–6:30 pm
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed
Sunday 11 am–2:30 pm

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 Harmony By Karate - Upper West Side, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 33 mentions

“Our daughter has been training with Harmony by Karaté for the past 4 years , progressed tremendously and continues to enjoy he progression towards her junior back belt.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“I feel good as a parent knowing my child is learning self-defense, discipline and mindfulness while at the same time getting great exercise and having fun!”

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 Harmony By Karate - Upper West Side — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense

“I feel good as a parent knowing my child is learning self-defense, discipline and mindfulness while at the same time getting great exercise and having fun!”

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 56 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 2 mentions

“Sensei John is so dedicated and passionate about Karate that is a role model and inspirational coach for the kids.”

friendly, respectful dojo 11 mentions

“It's about creating an environment that nurtures the individual, strengthens the family, and helps every student become the best version of themselves.”

great workout & fitness 3 mentions

“But by combining that with elements of yoga, general body conditioning & strength training, and meditation, there is a deeper kind of teaching going on here.”

🧒 strong kids program 3 mentions

“I feel good as a parent knowing my child is learning self-defense, discipline and mindfulness while at the same time getting great exercise and having fun!”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 17 mentions

“We have seen tremendous improvement in their focus, athletic abilities, respect for others, and overall self-confidence, not just in the dojo, but at school and at home.”

From the reviews

Harmony by Karate is a great place. Sensei John is remarkable at helping kids overcome obstacles, supporting parents in supporting their kids, and my kid was thriving. When the move happened to doing everything online, I continued to be super impressed.

★★★★★ — Julie, Jun 2020

Harmony by Karate has been a life-changing experience for my son. He’s been training here for four years, and the growth we’ve seen—both in his skills and his confidence—has been incredible. Sensei John and the entire staff are not only knowledgeable but also deeply caring and supportive.

★★★★★ — Kourtney’S, Jun 2025

Harmony by Karate Dojo is an extremely special place. It is not just a place to learn the skill of karate , though that is taught in a beautifully comprehensive way.

★★★★★ — Donna, Jan 2020

There are many martial arts schools and karate dojos, but Harmony By Karate stands apart because of the care, intention, and love that are woven into every part of the experience. It's not just about learning martial arts skills.

★★★★★ — Annie, Jun 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 56 reviews →

New to Karate? Start at Harmony By Karate - Upper West Side

Harmony By Karate - Upper West Side comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo — noted on their own site. 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first Karate class at Harmony By Karate - Upper West Side

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 Harmony By Karate - Upper West Side

76 W 85th St, New York, NY10024

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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.