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La Mesa Dojo - Shin Kyokushin Karate
5 ★★★★★ 13 Google reviews · Karate dojo in La Mesa, California
Part of Kyokushin Karate
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
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule shinkyokushinlamesa.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 619-402-2320
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 8–9 pm |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | 7–8:30 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“first timer for training kyokushin as its been a long standing interest of mine to try out, and so far the experience definitely has not disappointed under senpai saif.”
What students say
“Senpai Saif is a great teacher who covers the basics as well as applications of karate techniques.”
“first timer for training kyokushin as its been a long standing interest of mine to try out, and so far the experience definitely has not disappointed under senpai saif.”
“Saif is an excellent Sensei—skilled, respectful, and genuinely a good person.”
“Senpai Saif is a great teacher who covers the basics as well as applications of karate techniques.”
“The training is no nonsense, and I appreciate the old school conditioning done in every class.”
“first timer for training kyokushin as its been a long standing interest of mine to try out, and so far the experience definitely has not disappointed under senpai saif.”
From the reviews
If you’re looking to push your limits and grow physically, mentally, and spiritually this is the place. Sensei Saif brings deep knowledge of Kyokushin to every class, but what sets him apart is how genuinely he invests in each student. He’s tough when he needs to be and patient when it counts.
I attended the first class and have attended every week since. Senpai Saif is an informative, patient, and caring martial artist and teacher. The training is no nonsense, and I appreciate the old school conditioning done in every class. Highly recommend for all experience levels.
I’ve been participating in classes since it’s first class and really love it. Definitely recommend for everyone of all skill levels and goals.
Senpai Saif is a great teacher who covers the basics as well as applications of karate techniques. I love that they started teaching two days a week and the space is well set up with punching bags and a variety of thai pads. Price-wise this is one of the best deals for a Dojo in San Diego.
New to Karate? Start at La Mesa Dojo - Shin Kyokushin Karate
La Mesa Dojo - Shin Kyokushin Karate comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo, going by their listing and students’ reviews. 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 La Mesa Dojo - Shin Kyokushin 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.
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