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Japan Karate - San Diego Dojo
4.4 ★★★★☆ 15 Google reviews · Karate dojo in San Diego, California
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 sandiegokarateschool.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 858-414-7361
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 4–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 4–8 pm |
| Thursday | 4–8 pm |
| Friday | 4–8 pm |
| Saturday | 4–8 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“After looking for the perfect dojo we came across Sensei Shery & Alana they are the sweetest and after two years my son still enjoys coming to class, this has helped him so much.”
“The way Sensei Sherry teaches is the best for a true karateka, as she teaches Kumite techniques, how to strike, kick, and block properly.”
“All 3 of my teen children have made it through this rigorous and supportive environment.”
“I love that it is traditional karate and not just self defense or MMA.”
Other martial arts here
“I love that it is traditional karate and not just self defense or MMA.”
“I love that it is traditional karate and not just self defense or MMA.”
What students say
“The way Sensei Sherry teaches is the best for a true karateka, as she teaches Kumite techniques, how to strike, kick, and block properly.”
“I understand how your experience may have felt abrupt or even unwelcoming, especially if you were just stopping in out of curiosity.”
“I understand how your experience may have felt abrupt or even unwelcoming, especially if you were just stopping in out of curiosity.”
“She takes great care in maintaining a respectful space for learning, which includes small but meaningful details like removing shoes at the entrance.”
“My son’s love and respect for her, coupled with the positive changes we’ve seen in him, make every mile traveled utterly worth it.”
“The way Sensei Sherry teaches is the best for a true karateka, as she teaches Kumite techniques, how to strike, kick, and block properly.”
From the reviews
I have been coming to this dojo for almost 3 years. I started at age 39! Our adult group is the best! Top notch Sensei’s that have invested in my training. I competed in tournament against people 15 years younger than me and won 1st place. The best karate training in town.
Traditional Japanese Karate. Friendly environment, but at the same time serious about training hard and improving. Real Budo. I felt like part of the class from day one.
This Dojo is amazing! Everything your kid or you need! Harmonious development of body and spirit, and even more! Great coaches who have become our family! 10 stars!
As a parent whose child has been training at this dojo for quite some time, I’d like to offer a different perspective from the one below. I understand how your experience may have felt abrupt or even unwelcoming, especially if you were just stopping in out of curiosity.
Your first Karate class at Japan Karate - San Diego Dojo
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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