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Japan Karate Institute
4.8 ★★★★★ 44 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Charleston, South Carolina
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 jkiwestashley.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 843-763-9661
Hours
| Monday | 11:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 11:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 11:30 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 11:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 11:30 am–6 pm |
| Saturday | 9–11 am |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The team at Japan Karate Institute have been most wonderful to work with and most welcoming as my son switched from another karate school.”
“I highly recommend their after school program, summer camps and adult classes, as well.”
Other martial arts here
What students say
“Great martial arts style, great workout, great instructors, and committed students.”
“The team at Japan Karate Institute have been most wonderful to work with and most welcoming as my son switched from another karate school.”
“The team at Japan Karate Institute have been most wonderful to work with and most welcoming as my son switched from another karate school.”
“My kids range in age from 4 starting out, to 10 and they were all treated with respect and had a fantastic time learning the fundamentals of martial arts.”
“Friendly staff, understanding instructors, and a great workout makes for great training!”
“Japan Karate Institute has been such a fun place for my kids to grow, develop discipline, and challenge themselves.”
From the reviews
At 5 years old, my oldest child started the little ninja program in the spring of 2006, and thanks to the dedication and skills of the JKI staff, my daughter finally earned a black-belt in September 2012. Now my twins also are students, as am I.
In searching for a good defensive martial arts program for my 6-year old daughter, I found JKI in West Ashley. My daughter tried it out one evening and loved it. I signed her up that night and after two months of watching her progress through such excellent training, I decided to join her.
My boys have been enrolled in JKI for three years. It has been an excellent experience. They are developing a strong sense of pride and respect for themselves and others. The after school program and summer camps are also great.
My wife and I started martial arts here for excercise almost six years ago. It has become one of the best decisions I made! Friendly staff, understanding instructors, and a great workout makes for great training! And now my 7 year old son trains as well! I highly recommend for both kids and adults!
New to Karate? Start at Japan Karate Institute
Japan Karate Institute 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 Institute
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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