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karate west
4.9 ★★★★★ 29 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Issaquah, Washington
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 (ages 4–13) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Weapons / kobudo traditional weapons (kobudo) classes — kata with the bo, sai, and nunchaku, taught with control and discipline
- 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 karatewest.com — book classes and see the live schedule
Hours
| Monday | 4–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 4–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 4–9 PM |
| Thursday | 4–8 PM |
| Friday | 4–6 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–12:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“We enrolled our kids at Karate West over 10 years ago when they were in first grade, and it has been a joy to watch karate become a part of their identity as young adults.”
“Whether you are a beginner or an advanced student, you always feel welcomed, valued, and inspired to become your best.”
“Our kids have trained at Karate West at multiple locations, before/during/after Covid, and in both Little Dragons (under 7) classes and classes for older kids.”
“Support for the Future: The school even offers a college scholarship for students who maintain a good GPA and stay through high school graduation.”
“Karate West teaches Karate in Issaquah both for self-defense, and for developing all areas of life skills and academic excellence.”
“I also recommend KW for Adults considering adding an activity for a workout.”
Other martial arts here
“Karate West teaches Karate in Issaquah both for self-defense, and for developing all areas of life skills and academic excellence.”
What students say
“The Karate West dojo provides an inclusive, supportive community where kids can thrive.”
“My aunt is a black belt and my son just started attending, he is six. His focus has improved already and his attitude and demeanor have also improved.”
“Beyond building strength and discipline, it teaches them confidence, kindness, restraint, and practical self-defense.”
From the reviews
My kids have been students at Karate West for the past several years. We love the culture and atmosphere of this dojo. The teachers and staff are masters in their field, and care deeply about each student's progress. Through the years, I've seen my kids learn how to focus and stay calm during high stakes moments.
We all love Karate West. Our entire family takes lessons and the staff is knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. They tie in school and community with the classes. It's great to be able to participate as a family.
We enrolled our kids at Karate West over 10 years ago when they were in first grade, and it has been a joy to watch karate become a part of their identity as young adults. Now 16, our boys have grown from shy children into confident second-degree black belts.
Karate West has become so much more than a place where we train. It truly feels like an extension of our home. My son, my daughter, and I have been part of this incredible dojo for the past 10 years, and looking back, joining Karate West has been one of the best decisions we made as a family.
New to Karate? Start at karate west
karate west 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.
Your first Karate class at karate west
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. 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.
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