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Kobayashi Studios of Martial Arts

5 ★★★★★ 32 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Carlsbad, California

Free trial Affiliated Beginners welcome Kids & teens

Affiliated dojo — reviews and the dojo's own info point to a recognized Karate style organization or franchise (think Shotokan/JKA, Kyokushin, Goju-Ryu, Isshinryu, Tiger Schulmann's or Villari's). If lineage matters to you, ask which style and organization the dojo belongs to, and under whom the head sensei earned their black belt.

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 (ages 5–17) — 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 lacostakarate.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (760) 972-2437

Hours

Monday 4–8 PM
Tuesday 4–8 PM
Wednesday 4–8 PM
Thursday 4–8 PM
Friday Closed
Saturday 9 AM–12 AM
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 Kobayashi Studios of Martial Arts, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 28 mentions

“My son’s confidence, self-esteem, and skills grow with each class, and he never says he doesn’t want to go:) Also, I’m super happy they’ve added jiu-jitsu to the classes!”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🌱 Beginners 2 mentions

“My kids learned “first time listening” “integrity” and how to succeed and push themselves.”

All dojos that run beginners →

🐉 Little Dragons 2 mentions

“My son has been a student here as part of their "Little Dragons" since last October and has really been thriving.”

All dojos that run little dragons →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“Not only do they teach the best martial arts and self defense but they also focus on teaching self-discipline and help boost confidence immensely.”

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 Kobayashi Studios of Martial Arts — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🥋 Jiu-Jitsu

“My son’s confidence, self-esteem, and skills grow with each class, and he never says he doesn’t want to go:) Also, I’m super happy they’ve added jiu-jitsu to the classes!”

Other dojos that also teach jiu-jitsu →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“Not only do they teach the best martial arts and self defense but they also focus on teaching self-discipline and help boost confidence immensely.”

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 32 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 2 mentions

“Senei Manie and Sensei Summer are an amazing team.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 5 mentions

“The owners are the nicest people you will ever meet and are always nice and welcoming to everyone that walks through their doors.”

friendly, respectful dojo 8 mentions

“Staff is exceptionally friendly and inviting, the communication and opportunity for growth the students are provided is unmatched.”

🧒 strong kids program 9 mentions

“My son’s confidence, self-esteem, and skills grow with each class, and he never says he doesn’t want to go:) Also, I’m super happy they’ve added jiu-jitsu to the classes!”

clean, welcoming dojo 5 mentions

“Thank you Manie and Summer for such a great space for our children to learn and grow.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 27 mentions

“My son’s confidence, self-esteem, and skills grow with each class, and he never says he doesn’t want to go:) Also, I’m super happy they’ve added jiu-jitsu to the classes!”

From the reviews

We’re so happy Kobayashi opened up in our community. It’s a clean, organized, and welcoming studio. The owners(sensei summer, & Manie) are always there teaching and nurturing the students, which is not always the case for most studios.

★★★★★ — Brent, Oct 2024

Our family absolutely loves Kobayashi Karate! The instructors are patient, motivating, and truly dedicated to helping students build confidence, focus, and discipline. The classes are fun, well-structured, and great for kids that want to learn. The dojo is clean, professional, and has a strong sense of community.

★★★★★ — Andy, Oct 2025

I can’t say enough great things about this martial arts school! From the moment we walked in, Summer, the owner, and her husband made us feel so welcome. They run this small business with passion, care, and dedication, and it really shows in every class.

★★★★★ — Cynthia, Oct 2024

We've been looking for a martial arts studio for our daughter, who has bilateral cochlear implants, for some time. We were looking for somewhere that built confidence, self awareness and self defense. Kobayashi is that and much much more. Senei Manie and Sensei Summer are an amazing team.

★★★★★ — Reyes, Oct 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 32 reviews →

New to Karate? Start at Kobayashi Studios of Martial Arts

Kobayashi Studios of Martial Arts 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first Karate class at Kobayashi Studios of 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 Kobayashi Studios of Martial Arts

3451 Via Montebello, Carlsbad, CA92009

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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.