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Indianapolis Shotokan Karate
4.6 ★★★★★ 14 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Indianapolis, Indiana
Part of Shotokan Karate (JKA)
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
- 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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule ind.ska.org — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 317-641-3918
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 7–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | 7–8:30 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | 10–11:30 am |
The classes they run
“He has a keen eye, and is able to take his sixty-plus years of experience, and offer targeted, personalized feedback to beginners and advanced practitioners alike.”
“If you're looking for a real-deal Japanese martial art to learn self defense, improve your health, and be part of a small community then this dojo is worth checking out.”
Other martial arts here
“If you're looking for a real-deal Japanese martial art to learn self defense, improve your health, and be part of a small community then this dojo is worth checking out.”
What students say
“Really supportive group and recognized nationally for all the great work they do.”
“Indianapolis is lucky to have such a strong Shotokan dojo, along with very dedicated and experienced seniors.”
“Every session begins with the members cleaning the floor by hand - everyone wringing out rags and pushing them across the floor to clean it.”
“The quality of karate instruction is a rare level, and the additional gains of physical fitness and mental focus gained through training are present here.”
From the reviews
This dojo is a gem, and many martial artists in Indianapolis don't know what they have sitting right here. The quality of karate instruction is a rare level, and the additional gains of physical fitness and mental focus gained through training are present here.
Indianapolis is lucky to have such a strong Shotokan dojo, along with very dedicated and experienced seniors. Head instructor John Teramoto, who serves as Shihan of the national organization, is one of the best seniors I have been privileged to train under.
Excellent practice, excellent dojo, excellent organization, and exceptional people. I have only been practicing here for about 6 months, and it's already become a significant part of my life, and improved my fitness and my mindset. There's nothing quite like it to help you develop yourself as a person.
So lucky to stumble upon this dojo, and to learn to practice karate. It's been so beneficial for my life!
New to Karate? Start at Indianapolis Shotokan Karate
Indianapolis Shotokan 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 Indianapolis Shotokan 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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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site