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Kiai Martial Arts

4.7 ★★★★★ 58 Google reviews · Karate dojo in South Hill, Washington

Free trial Kids & teens Weapons / kobudo Competition team

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
  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes (ages 5) — 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
  • Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule kiaimartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (253) 229-7923

Hours

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

🧒 Kids Karate 23 mentions

“If you are wanting your young children to get started on their martial arts journey or you are an adult wondering if you could or believing that you are too old this is your place.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🥊 Kumite / Sparring 2 mentions

“She has even gained the courage to participate in sparring!”

All dojos that run kumite / sparring →

⚔️ Weapons (Kobudo)

“Kiai offers different programs for all ages to include karate, adult self defense (Boei Shido), kobudo, and exercise classes.”

All dojos that run weapons (kobudo) →

🛡️ Self-Defense 4 mentions

“When you add in Boeishido, adult self defense, and optional exercise classes, this makes Kiai one of the most well rounded schools in the area.”

All dojos that run self-defense →

🥋 Adult Karate

“There is also a self defense class just for adults taught by another teacher.”

All dojos that run adult karate →

Other martial arts here

Karate dojos are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else students mention training under the same roof at Kiai Martial Arts — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense 4 mentions

“When you add in Boeishido, adult self defense, and optional exercise classes, this makes Kiai one of the most well rounded schools in the area.”

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 58 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 3 mentions

“A warm thank you to all of the incredible instructors here.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 3 mentions

“The best part about this Dojo is it’s welcoming, family friendly and a special place for everyone.”

friendly, respectful dojo 7 mentions

“The environment is very supportive, and it’s heartwarming to see how the kids encourage and celebrate each other when receiving their stripes and belts.”

🧒 strong kids program 4 mentions

“Some might think someone with Autism might not be able to handle the karate mat, but our daughter has been successful and thrives at Kiai.”

active competition / tournament team 6 mentions

“He competed, earned several medals, and received his second degree blackbelt before leaving for college.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 13 mentions

“Just like everyone else has mentioned here, Tasshi David is awesome with the kids and truly puts his heart into teaching the young minds to focus, listen and succeed.”

From the reviews

I was looking for place to put my daughter, who was at the time 4 turning 5 at the time, she needed an outlet and Tashi David was then only person who would let her even try since she was young. We started in July 2024; my daughter turned 5 in August. She has been going ever since.

★★★★★ — Kourtney, Jan 2025

Kiai Martial Arts has been an amazing place for my sons to grow up in. My oldest started at 3 years old and he has learned so much from Tasshi throughout the years. He has learned life long lessons that he has taken with him. He has been able to learn discipline, dedication, loyalty, commitment to name a few.

★★★★★ — Jennifer, Jan 2025

David Carmen is one of the best Karate teachers! He is terrific with kids and adults. There is also a self defense class just for adults taught by another teacher. David puts on a tournament every September as well. Awesome place to train!

★★★★★ — Corinne, Jan 2025

A good place for my son to learn discipline and focus. Despite being only 5 years old, he learned well under the coaching of Tasshi David who is always patient and caring for his students.

★★★★★ — Edward, Mar 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 58 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Kiai Martial Arts

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 Kiai Martial Arts

15930 99th Ave Ct E, South Hill, WA98375

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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.