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Jeff Ellis'International Karate Centers

4.3 ★★★★☆ 38 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Strongsville, Ohio

Karate dojo Affiliated Kids & teens Private lessons Competition team

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

  • Membership memberships around $140/mo — many dojos also offer a discounted first month and family plans, so ask about new-student rates
  • 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
  • Adult classes adult Karate classes — training built for grown-ups, from fitness and fundamentals to kumite (sparring) at your own pace
  • Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule jeffelliskarate.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (440) 238-9390

Hours

Monday 9 AM–9 PM
Tuesday 9 AM–9 PM
Wednesday 9 AM–9 PM
Thursday 9 AM–9 PM
Friday 9 AM–9 PM
Saturday 9 AM–2 PM
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, belt tests, and seminars — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

Karate classes on the schedule at Jeff Ellis'International Karate Centers, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 43 mentions

“My grandson began taking karate lessons with Jeff Ellis at Jeff Ellis International Karate Centers in the winter months of 2019, so he was only 4 1/2 years old.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense 3 mentions

“Not only does Shihan teach self defense and strength, but he also helps children round out in terms of respect, eye hand coordination, confidence, and so much more!”

All dojos that run self-defense →

Other martial arts here

Karate dojos are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else students mention training under the same roof at Jeff Ellis'International Karate Centers — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense 3 mentions

“Not only does Shihan teach self defense and strength, but he also helps children round out in terms of respect, eye hand coordination, confidence, and so much more!”

Other dojos that also teach self-defense →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the dojo's own info — they show what students have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want taekwondo, jiu-jitsu, or kickboxing alongside your Karate, confirm the current schedule with the dojo.

What students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 38 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 2 mentions

“Karate, the teachings of Shihan Ellis, became a great way for me to decompress, concentrate in the moment and clear my mind for the challenges at work.”

friendly, respectful dojo 5 mentions

“I looked for a place that was clean and welcoming and had instructors that were experienced, patient and caring.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 2 mentions

“Shihan and all the other instructors are great with the kids (and adults), blending discipline, techniques and fun together.”

🧒 strong kids program 5 mentions

“I cannot be happier with how my son has been progressing. His confidence has improved greatly along with his enjoyment for physical activity.”

active competition / tournament team 2 mentions

“I had the privilege to train with him 27 years ago and stayed with his training for 10 years, accomplishing belts levels and participating and training for tournaments.”

clean, welcoming dojo 4 mentions

“It quickly became my emotional, mental health cleansing time as I challenged myself to physical activities, I never thought of starting at the tender age of 50+.”

From the reviews

Our experience with IKC Strongsville has been one rewarding and completely impactful in our lives. We came because of a try out offer won during a raffle. The try out quickly transitioned to our membership and advancement throughout the last year and half.

★★★★★ — Ruben, Nov 2019

As a child I took classes with Mr. Ellis. Now he is teaching my daughter. The lessons learned here are more then just how to kick and punch. He instills a sense of honor, integrity, and hard work. These things will be a base of who my daughter is and will forever be. Can’t say thank you enough.

★★★★★ — Matt, Jan 2020

We have both our son and daughter taking lessons at Jeff Ellis Karate. The instructors are very caring and knowledgeable. Our kids have grown in confidence and coordination in the classes. Highly recommend.

★★★★★ — Kevin, Nov 2019

My son is transforming into an amazing child that has had a rough time controlling many things that may come easy to others. He was not able to follow commands as well as his peers and the struggle was heartbreaking on me as a single mom. I knew I had to put something special into his life to help him succeed!

★★★★★ — Stephanie, Aug 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 38 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Jeff Ellis'International Karate Centers

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.

Karate is a contact sport. Ease in, train within your limits, listen to your instructors, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Jeff Ellis'International Karate Centers

17748 Pearl Rd, Strongsville, OH44136

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this dojo? Claim your listing — it's free.