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Josho Academy of Martial Arts

5 ★★★★★ 18 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Akron, Ohio

Free trial Kids & teens Weapons / kobudo Competition team

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
  • Weapons / kobudo traditional weapons (kobudo) classes — kata with the bo, sai, and nunchaku, taught with control and discipline
  • Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule joshoacademy.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 330-801-4935

Hours

Monday 6–8:35 pm
Tuesday 6–7:30 pm
Wednesday 6–8:35 pm
Thursday Closed
Friday Closed
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 Josho Academy of Martial Arts, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

⚔️ Weapons (Kobudo) 2 mentions

“They offer Karate, Chambara sword fighting, jiu jitsu, Kobudo, and advanced black belt classes.”

All dojos that run weapons (kobudo) →

Other martial arts here

Karate dojos are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else students mention training under the same roof at Josho Academy of Martial Arts — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🥋 Jiu-Jitsu

“They offer Karate, Chambara sword fighting, jiu jitsu, Kobudo, and advanced black belt classes.”

Other dojos that also teach jiu-jitsu →

🤼 Judo 2 mentions

“Be trained in respect for oneself & others comes along with the arts of Kobuto (weapons), Judo, Karate, and more.”

Other dojos that also teach judo →

🏟️ MMA

“Gave 5 stars just because, but im looking for a gym that trains for competition to make a career in mma fighting.”

Other dojos that also teach mma →

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 18 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 3 mentions

“He is one of the best teachers and practitioners I have ever worked with.”

friendly, respectful dojo 3 mentions

“That wouldn’t be possible without dedication of a family of friends who wanted it to continue.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 5 mentions

“The premier school for anyone who wants to learn the discipline of traditional martial arts or gain access to the WKF or WUKF world championship level.”

From the reviews

Lead, trained & now run by the best students of David Ames keeping the traditions of martial arts alive. Be trained in respect for oneself & others comes along with the arts of Kobuto (weapons), Judo, Karate, and more. Free trial classes to learn at your own pace if you act now.

★★★★★ — Jed, Mar 2022

Lead by the instruction of Pan American Olympic Champion Kyoshi David Ames, Sensei(s) Tony Harmon, Chris Bader, Kieth Doherty, and David Miller, this is the BEST martial arts school in NE Ohio. People come from as far as Medina and Cleveland to train here.

★★★★★ — Chris, Apr 2021

I was here for around 4 years or so, got up to brown belt and then quit. Although I have no complaints, some of my best years were spent in this Dojo, really helped me out a lot with my mental health, especially when I was dealing with depression and anxiety and didn’t know it yet.

★★★★★ — Axel, Sep 2025

Best dojo possibly in the state of Ohio. The premier school for anyone who wants to learn the discipline of traditional martial arts or gain access to the WKF or WUKF world championship level. Everything else is just PKC 😅 Judo, Jujitsu, Karate, Kobudo, Aikido.

★★★★★ — Christopher, Oct 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 18 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Josho Academy of Martial Arts

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 Josho Academy of Martial Arts

335 E Cuyahoga Falls Ave A, Akron, OH44310

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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.