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Japan Karate Association of NM
5 ★★★★★ 27 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Albuquerque, New Mexico
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
- 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 stancefinder.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (505) 256-0700
Hours
| Monday | 2–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 2–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 2–8 PM |
| Thursday | 2–6:30 PM |
| Friday | 2–8 PM |
| Saturday | 9–11:30 AM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“If u want ur kids to have dual benefits of learning authentic martial arts as well as learn life principles, this is the place!”
“I have found my self confidence in knowing I can now protect myself not only physically but that I can also emotionally deal with the daily stresses of life.”
Other martial arts here
“This is a very traditional dojo where students learn not only self-defense but discipline and perseverance through adversity.”
What students say
“Sensei is a great teacher and you will learn a lot.”
“When I say “we joined” even though my son is the only one participating in the class, as a family, we are all learning and growing through this experience.”
“If u want ur kids to have dual benefits of learning authentic martial arts as well as learn life principles, this is the place!”
“Every second I've spent in the dojo worth it absolutely worth it.”
“I have found my self confidence in knowing I can now protect myself not only physically but that I can also emotionally deal with the daily stresses of life.”
From the reviews
Not your average dojo! I joined 6 years ago and from the moment I stepped onto the floor, I knew I had found my second family! Friendly, helpful people welcomed me into their karate community and strove to not only improve my fitness but also my outlook on life.
My son started middle school very shy, overwhelmed, with no ambition to get involved in any clubs or sports. Someone suggested Karate. We joined JKA of NM a little over a year ago, not knowing anything about Karate.
Sensei’s years of working with children is obvious in his ability to draw out the best in each child. Students learn to embrace a way of life that promotes integrity, respect, and self-control. Our daughter has been part of NM JKA for over 2 years.
Incredible venue to learn & study Karate. Sensei Nagatomo has a special gift for teaching all ages. I've seen it wit my own eyes with our son Kaden age five. My son has learned how to throw a ball, hit a baseball, shoot a basketball, jump rope, has learned proper running techniques, can count in Japanese, has learned…
New to Karate? Start at Japan Karate Association of NM
Japan Karate Association of NM 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 Japan Karate Association of NM
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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