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JSKA of Rochester

4.8 ★★★★★ 25 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Troy, Michigan

Affiliated Beginners welcome Kids & teens 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

  • 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
  • Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule jska-rochester.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (586) 907-0963

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 5:30–9:30 PM
Wednesday Closed
Thursday Closed
Friday Closed
Saturday 9–11:30 AM
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 JSKA of Rochester, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 7 mentions

“Both of our children have trained with Sensei Hunt at JSKA of Rochester and it's been an amazing journey watching them grow with confidence through the levels.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🌱 Beginners 2 mentions

“He is very patient and understands the time that it takes for beginners to learn proper technique and form of Karate.”

All dojos that run beginners →

🛡️ Self-Defense 3 mentions

“This class opens my eyes to see a world of martial art, not only for fitness and self defense, but full of knowledge and discipline.”

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 JSKA of Rochester — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense 3 mentions

“This class opens my eyes to see a world of martial art, not only for fitness and self defense, but full of knowledge and discipline.”

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 25 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 15 mentions

“One also tends to develop personal connections with the dojo members and Sensei Hunt who tends to devote great amounts of his time outside of class to his students and his club.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 4 mentions

“He is very patient and understands the time that it takes for beginners to learn proper technique and form of Karate.”

friendly, respectful dojo 13 mentions

“A great blend of traditional martial arts, physical fitness, and real world applications, all in a positive and friendly setting.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 5 mentions

“Sensei Hunt is sincere and humble, always providing the finest level of detail that only a world class instructor can deliver.”

great workout & fitness 2 mentions

“Great workout, great camaraderie, superb instruction.”

traditional style & affiliation 13 mentions

“The instructors and whole class are there to learn and study Shotokan Karate, not hand out belts and certificates.”

From the reviews

I have done Shotokan Karate for many years in multiple states with various good instructors. In 2001-2002, I had the great opportunity and privilege to train at JSKA Michigan. This club offers the highest quality and standard of training and to say that Sensei Hunt is excellent, would be a great understatement.

★★★★★ — Jennifer, Jan 2021

I've been trained in this Dojo (training place for martial arts) since I moved to Michigan in 2009 from Canada. I really like the way instructor teaches us the traditional authentic Japanese shotokan karate, which is not an Americanized, some kind of so-called “martial arts,” or whatever it is.

★★★★★ — M, Jun 2016

I have had 9 years of experience with Sensei Hunt and the JSKA. This a fun club - but it is serious also. The instructors and whole class are there to learn and study Shotokan Karate, not hand out belts and certificates.

★★★★★ — Apoorva, Aug 2013

Sensei Hunt has been an instructor for many years. He is a skilled teacher able to help young children gain confidence and skills in the martial arts. I attend his adult classes and am always challenged. The classes are safe and a very good value for those wishing to learn traditional martial arts.

★★★★★ — Steven, Feb 2016

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 25 reviews →

New to Karate? Start at JSKA of Rochester

JSKA of Rochester comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo, going by their listing and students’ reviews. 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first Karate class at JSKA of Rochester

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 JSKA of Rochester

2171 Newburgh Dr, Troy, MI48083

Get directions

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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.