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IMA Houston Karate

4.9 ★★★★★ 32 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Houston, Texas

Karate dojo Free trial Affiliated Kids & teens Competition team

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
  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule imahouston.net — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 832-202-7370

Hours

Monday 4–8 pm
Tuesday 4–8 pm
Wednesday 4–8 pm
Thursday 4–8 pm
Friday 4:30–8 pm
Saturday Closed
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 IMA Houston Karate, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 5 mentions

“Good Dōjō for kids & adults to learn not just karaté, but also discipline, self-control, self-defense”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“Good Dōjō for kids & adults to learn not just karaté, but also discipline, self-control, self-defense”

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 IMA Houston Karate — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense

“Good Dōjō for kids & adults to learn not just karaté, but also discipline, self-control, self-defense”

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 32 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 3 mentions

“Kyoshi Patrick Richoux is an amazing coach and Sensei.”

🧒 strong kids program 3 mentions

“My child absolutely loves going to class.”

active competition / tournament team 3 mentions

“Those who stay and don't mind to work hard get great results - many regional and national competition winners.”

traditional style & affiliation 2 mentions

“They learn traditional shotokan karate but they also learn discipline and build character.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 2 mentions

“Good Dōjō for kids & adults to learn not just karaté, but also discipline, self-control, self-defense”

From the reviews

My kiddo loves this place. He's been at IMA for about a year and I'm very pleased to see him more comfortable with making friends. They learn traditional shotokan karate but they also learn discipline and build character. If you go remember to ask the Sensei about discounts for paying months in advance.

★★★★★ — Francis, Jul 2017

Best sansei ever! Rigorous training not just for your body but also for your mind. Personal approach to every participant. Those who stay and don't mind to work hard get great results - many regional and national competition winners. Come if you'd like to learn real karate.

★★★★★ — Taras, Jan 2019

Patrick is a wonderful instructor and his attitude is always in the right place. I know him from seminars and USANKF national competitions.

★★★★★ — Eric, Jul 2018

I’m a former Argentina competitor and I practice in many many dojo’s around the world. Ima Houston Dojo is one of the best in the world. Kyoshi Patrick Richoux is an amazing coach and Sensei. Thanks for the opportunity to train there for several seasons!

★★★★★ — Juan, Apr 2020

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 32 reviews →

Your first Karate class at IMA Houston 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.

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 IMA Houston Karate

PARK 8 SPORTSPLEX, 8800 W Sam Houston Pkwy S, Houston, TX77099

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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.