Home › Virginia › Alexandria › International Shotokan Karate Association of Northern Virginia
International Shotokan Karate Association of Northern Virginia
4.9 ★★★★★ 11 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Alexandria, Virginia
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
- 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 iska-nova.net — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 703-745-8601
Hours
| Monday | 4–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 4–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 4–9 pm |
| Thursday | 4–9 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 9:30 am–2 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The dojo is a friendly family style dojo teaching both beginners and advanced students in a modern comfortable and healthy facility.”
Other martial arts here
“This is no fake taekwondo disguised as karate.”
What students say
“The dojo is a friendly family style dojo teaching both beginners and advanced students in a modern comfortable and healthy facility.”
“One of the few, if not the only true traditional Shotokan Karate dojos in Northern Virginia.”
From the reviews
ISKA Northern Virginia is a great traditional Shotokan dojo. Teaching a traditional JKA style of Shotokan Karate Dr Sorbi and the instructor staff are as qualified and experienced a group as anywhere in the world.
One of the few, if not the only true traditional Shotokan Karate dojos in Northern Virginia. Great location and great intructors. Dr. Sorbi is a fun yet serious black belt instructor who knows how to make class interesting and fun. My children go here and also enjoy it.
Just an awesome school. Dr Sorbi teaching style is passionate yet relaxed, his experience as a professional educator clearly shows. The club generally, is welcome both to beginners and those with some experience.
My favorite place to practice. Dr. Sorbi is great and welcomes all students. I moved out of the area but still visit this place when I am back just to say hi. Highly recommended.
New to Karate? Start at International Shotokan Karate Association of Northern Virginia
International Shotokan Karate Association of Northern Virginia 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.
Your first Karate class at International Shotokan Karate Association of Northern Virginia
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.
More Karate dojos near Alexandria
Seichou Karate
5 ★★★★★ 39 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Okinawan Karate for Women
5 ★★★★★ 7 reviews
Virginia Dojo - Alexandria Karate Dojo
5 ★★★★★ 101 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site