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Kato Karate

5 ★★★★★ 119 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Mankato, Minnesota

Karate dojo Kids & teens Private lessons Competition team

Plan your first class

  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Private lessons private, one-on-one instruction available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
  • Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule katokaratemn.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (507) 381-5933

Hours

Monday 4:30–8 PM
Tuesday 4:30–8 PM
Wednesday 4:30–8 PM
Thursday 4:30–8 PM
Friday 4:30–6 PM
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 Kato Karate, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 35 mentions

“I would highly recommend to anyone interested in a fun way to work out as well as any one with children looking for a great activity to get them involved with.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

👤 Private Lessons

“Kids get a lot of great feedback and get plenty of one-on-one or small group coaching.”

All dojos that run private lessons →

🛡️ Self-Defense 4 mentions

“This unique institution goes above and beyond to provide not only practical self-defense techniques but also instills values of leadership, team building, and self-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 Kato Karate — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🦵 Taekwondo

“My son was interested in Tae Kwon Do when he was in first grade.”

Other dojos that also teach taekwondo →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“This unique institution goes above and beyond to provide not only practical self-defense techniques but also instills values of leadership, team building, and self-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 119 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 7 mentions

“Tim is a fabulous instructor. He’s so patient and encouraging with all his students and he makes everything easy to learn.”

friendly, respectful dojo 3 mentions

“She loves going to class, she’s made friends, she’s gained tons of confidence, and she’s become more focused and respectful in every aspect of her life.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 2 mentions

“This unique institution goes above and beyond to provide not only practical self-defense techniques but also instills values of leadership, team building, and self-discipline.”

🧒 strong kids program 11 mentions

“The anti-bullying message is clear and consistent, teaching kids how to stand up for themselves while also promoting kindness, discipline, and self-control.”

active competition / tournament team 2 mentions

“One school had me watch a video of tournaments and winning and barely spoke to me.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 32 mentions

“This unique institution goes above and beyond to provide not only practical self-defense techniques but also instills values of leadership, team building, and self-discipline.”

From the reviews

Tim is a phenomenal instructor ! Not only does he have the knowledge and skills to help all kids excel, he puts them to use in unique ways to help guide each child in their own ways. He gets down to the kids level and TEACHES them & makes sure the kids understand each lesson.

★★★★★ — Angel, Mar 2022

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Kato Karate is more than a martial arts school; it's a home of empowerment and personal growth. This unique institution goes above and beyond to provide not only practical self-defense techniques but also instills values of leadership, team building, and self-discipline.

★★★★★ — Milan, May 2023

Kato Karate has been a life-changing experience for my son! As a parent of a child with autism, finding the right environment where he feels supported, encouraged, and safe can be difficult—but Kato Karate has gone above and beyond.

★★★★★ — Melissa, Jul 2025

My kids love Kato Karate!! Since starting, they have grown physically, mentally, and emotionally. The skills that they are learning not only benefit them in the school but in life as well.

★★★★★ — Erin, Aug 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 119 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Kato 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 Kato Karate

1215 N Riverfront Dr Ste 1, Mankato, MN56001

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.