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Karate America - Mandarin

5 ★★★★★ 83 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Jacksonville, Florida

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 — 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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule karateamerica.info — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (904) 268-4424

Hours

Monday 3–9 PM
Tuesday 3–9 PM
Wednesday 3–9 PM
Thursday 3–9 PM
Friday 3–9 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 Karate America - Mandarin, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 33 mentions

“What started off with something for my son to be involved in has turned into an amazing place for our whole family.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“Franko is a great instructor and has a lot of knowledge in karate 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 Karate America - Mandarin — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense

“Franko is a great instructor and has a lot of knowledge in karate 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 83 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 5 mentions

“Franko is a great instructor and has a lot of knowledge in karate and self defense.”

friendly, respectful dojo 4 mentions

“What started off with something for my son to be involved in has turned into an amazing place for our whole family.”

🧒 strong kids program 5 mentions

“She's learning discipline, strength, self awareness and responsibility, the best part is my daughter LOVES it.”

💵 good value / fair pricing 2 mentions

“The truth is that the experience at this academy is worth it.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 11 mentions

“I strongly recommend this studio to anyone looking to learn karate, improve fitness, and build confidence in a positive atmosphere.”

From the reviews

My daughter is 7 I have been bringing her to Karate America 5 days a week for a couple months now and her behavior was really good before but the core values Master Casillo has taught her has been amazing. She's learning discipline, strength, self awareness and responsibility, the best part is my daughter LOVES it.

★★★★★ — Sondra, Mar 2022

I loved this academy for my son Thiago. The Karate teacher is an excellent young man who has a lot of pedagogy and patience to deal with the youngest children. Mister Martinez is very kind and attentive to help children who are just starting out. The truth is that the experience at this academy is worth it.

★★★★★ — Maria, Jun 2024

Amazing staff , it’s been over a year since my son started taking classes,he is more confident and strong 💪, master Franco is awesome very knowledgeable,patient and very respectful,master Martinez as well.Highly recommend 😊

★★★★★ — Rajmonda, Jun 2024

What started off with something for my son to be involved in has turned into an amazing place for our whole family. The instructors will always have a special place in my heart for the love and support they have for my son. The growth I have seen in him has been incredible. I see many years in our future spent here.

★★★★★ — Melanie, Mar 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 83 reviews →

New to Karate? Start at Karate America - Mandarin

Karate America - Mandarin 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first Karate class at Karate America - Mandarin

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 Karate America - Mandarin

9825 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL32257

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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.