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Karate Do Shito Kai Des Moines

5 ★★★★★ 5 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Des Moines, Iowa

Karate dojo Kids & teens

Plan your first class

  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule karatedsm.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (515) 328-6465

Hours

Monday 5:30–7:30 PM
Tuesday 6–8 PM
Wednesday 5:30–7:30 PM
Thursday 6–8 PM
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed
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 Do Shito Kai Des Moines, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 2 mentions

“There are classes for Children and Adults….”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“If you want to Learn traditional Japanese Karate and get into great shape, build muscle and confidence in self defense, this is the Dojo you should attend.”

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 Do Shito Kai Des Moines — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense

“If you want to Learn traditional Japanese Karate and get into great shape, build muscle and confidence in self defense, this is the Dojo you should attend.”

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.

From the reviews

If you want to Learn traditional Japanese Karate and get into great shape, build muscle and confidence in self defense, this is the Dojo you should attend. The Nakata Sensei’s are very professional and knowledgeable in the art. Enjoy all the students we have, everyone helps everyone to achieve their goals.

★★★★★ — Marc, Jul 2023

Karate Do Shito Kai is wonderful!!! I’ve only attended classes for a couple weeks but am very impressed by the professional, knowledgeable and skilled staff. They’re serious about teaching and know what they’re doing — all this for a great price. If you’ve ever wanted to start karate, this is your place.

★★★★★ — Jonanne, Dec 2018

Karate Do Shito Kia Des Moines is the place to go for real traditional Japanese Karate. Kenji Sampai and his staff and students provide a great, warm friendly atmosphere for learning. It is evident that everyone there is about the promotion of all the precepts of Japanese Martial Arts. Go!

★★★★★ — Larry, Dec 2018

The gentlemen are phenomenal. They have been great with my son. Just recently signed my dsughter up. I know they'll be great with them too

★★★★★ — Lezlie, Nov 2018

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 5 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Karate Do Shito Kai Des Moines

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 Do Shito Kai Des Moines

315 E 5th St, Des Moines, IA50309

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.