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Long's Shotokan Karate Academy
4.9 ★★★★★ 70 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Independence, Missouri
Part of Shotokan Karate (JKA)
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 — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule longsshotokan.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (816) 257-6933
Hours
| Monday | 4 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 5–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 5–9 PM |
| Thursday | 5–9 PM |
| Friday | 5–7 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Updated review: We started coming here in 2019, and it has continued to be an amazing place for my kids.”
“My sons been going here since he was 3 in the little dragon program.”
“They are in the black belt club meaning they do judo, aikido, weapons, kick boxing, sparring, and karate.”
“It's taken some time to gather, but Sensei Long as helped train me to become more confident as a woman.”
“When people ask why, we explain that character quality is as important as self defense.”
Other martial arts here
“They are in the black belt club meaning they do judo, aikido, weapons, kick boxing, sparring, and karate.”
“They are in the black belt club meaning they do judo, aikido, weapons, kick boxing, sparring, and karate.”
“When people ask why, we explain that character quality is as important as self defense.”
What students say
“Marks a great sensei, and not only teaches karate but also incorporates real life experiences into his classes.”
“He was incredibly responsive and welcoming and he told us to come in and try some classes.”
“****************************** Coming to this dojo was one of the best decisions my family has made.”
“My son has gained a tremendous amount of confidence in the past year.”
“I honestly cannot say enough good things about Long's Shotokan or Sensei Long and his other instructors and the impact on our family.”
“Great dojo for anyone looking to learn the basics of martial arts or grow to a high class competitor.”
From the reviews
Updated review: We started coming here in 2019, and it has continued to be an amazing place for my kids. Although two of them ultimately decided to stop (but I hope it's just a break!), one of my sons has continued. It's been such a joy watching him become more confident with himself because of what he learns here.
Mark Long is more about people and building character than business (but that doesn’t mean you don’t work for that next belt!) He encourages kids to say yes ma’am and yes sir as well as yes Sensei. He’s a born story teller and the atmosphere in the dojo is warm (maybe sweaty!) and welcoming.
Sensei Mark Long has been a fantastic mentor to my son, and family. His program is designed for all ages, he makes everyone feel included and welcome He teaches life lessons, as well as the karate skills his dojo offers. I dont trust many people with our son, but I trust Sensei Mark to the fullest.
My family has been going to Long’s Shotokan Academy since January 2023. It has been life changing. Sensei Long has helped my kids show respect towards their peers and adults in their life. He has also helped us learn self defense. All of his classes are a workout while learning different skills.
New to Karate? Start at Long's Shotokan Karate Academy
Long's Shotokan Karate Academy 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 Long's Shotokan Karate Academy
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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