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Kanthak Karate

5 ★★★★★ 43 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Vancouver, Washington

Karate dojo Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens

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
  • 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 (ages 4–18) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule kanthakkarate.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (360) 260-5115

Hours

Monday 8 AM–8 PM
Tuesday 8 AM–8 PM
Wednesday 8 AM–8 PM
Thursday 8 AM–8 PM
Friday 8 AM–7 PM
Saturday 9–11 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 Kanthak Karate, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 21 mentions

“Now being an adult and looking at how they teach it is accessible, encouraging, engaging, and they are making the kids use all part of their brain.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense 5 mentions

“Kanthak infuses their years of martial arts experience and teachings with fun and humor while also teaching the students respect and self defense.”

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 Kanthak Karate — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense 4 mentions

“Kanthak infuses their years of martial arts experience and teachings with fun and humor while also teaching the students respect and self defense.”

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 43 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 4 mentions

“Karl and Kenny are great instructors and theres always a fun extra activity every couple of months that my son loves to attend as well.”

friendly, respectful dojo 7 mentions

“They do many themed events throughout the year and have established themselves as a trusted community hub for members and their family.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 2 mentions

“This is the school you go to and thoroughly learn all of the proper steps and techniques.”

🧒 strong kids program 4 mentions

“Karl and Kenny are great instructors and theres always a fun extra activity every couple of months that my son loves to attend as well.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 14 mentions

“We started two of our young boys in lessons only about a month ago, and we have already seen an improvement in their listening, behavior, and confidence.”

From the reviews

Kanthak Karate is awsome! My daughter has been since she was around 4, and is still going, aiming for her black belt.The teaching style is excellent, with easy to learn drills on how to protect yourself from an attacker! The teachers teach discipline and also very kind.

★★★★★ — Rico, Dec 2023

Mr. K and Mr. Kenny are great teachers. They are passionate about helping the students be the best humans they can be! They make class fun for the kids, and fun for the parents watching! I recommend Kanthak Karate without hesitation to anyone who has a child that might be interested in martial arts.

★★★★★ — Sara, Dec 2023

This is a great studio, Mr. K and Mr. K are both skilled and professional teachers, while making it fun for the kids. They work hard and do a lot of extra fun events like a Star Wars party and a water fight in the summer. I like how they teach good manners and to respect your parents as well.

★★★★★ — Chennault, Dec 2023

Mr. K and Mr. Kenny are incredible instructors! We started two of our young boys in lessons only about a month ago, and we have already seen an improvement in their listening, behavior, and confidence. They love going and always have fun!

★★★★★ — Amy, Feb 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 43 reviews →

New to Karate? Start at Kanthak Karate

Kanthak Karate 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first Karate class at Kanthak Karate

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 Kanthak Karate

16505 SE 1st St I, Vancouver, WA98684

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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.