HomeCaliforniaLomita › Machida Karate Academy

Machida Karate Academy

4.9 ★★★★★ 50 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Lomita, California

Karate dojo Free trial Affiliated Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons

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 4–6) — 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
  • 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 machidaacademy.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 424-347-7255

Hours

Monday 3–8:30 pm
Tuesday 3–8:30 pm
Wednesday 3–8:30 pm
Thursday 3–8:30 pm
Friday 3–7:30 pm
Saturday 8:45 am–1 pm
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 Machida Karate Academy, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 35 mentions

“My 2 kids started from ages 6 and 10, they are now 12 and 16, my son is now assisting the classes and the instructors/senseis have all been such great mentors.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🌱 Beginners 2 mentions

“They offer beginner level classes for kids all they way up to the advanced levels for even the experienced blackbelt to enjoy.”

All dojos that run beginners →

Teens

“My teen aged son wholeheartedly enjoys Machida Karate Academy.”

All dojos that run teens →

🛡️ Self-Defense 4 mentions

“Their teaching is methodical and systematic and it appeals to those looking for a practical approach to their training for self defense skill development as well.”

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 Machida Karate Academy — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🦵 Taekwondo

“I have a lot of experience in martial arts (Kempo Karate, Taekwondo, Muay Thai, BJJ) but I started in Karate.”

Other dojos that also teach taekwondo →

🥋 Jiu-Jitsu

“I have a lot of experience in martial arts (Kempo Karate, Taekwondo, Muay Thai, BJJ) but I started in Karate.”

Other dojos that also teach jiu-jitsu →

🥊 Kickboxing

“I have a lot of experience in martial arts (Kempo Karate, Taekwondo, Muay Thai, BJJ) but I started in Karate.”

Other dojos that also teach kickboxing →

🏟️ MMA 2 mentions

“They bring their experiences of real fighting from their mixed martial arts success and deliver their knowledge to their students in such a graceful manner.”

Other dojos that also teach mma →

🛡️ Self-Defense 4 mentions

“Their teaching is methodical and systematic and it appeals to those looking for a practical approach to their training for self defense skill development as well.”

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 50 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 4 mentions

“Sensei Lyoto and Chinzo Machida are not only great instructors but great practitioners of Karate as well.”

friendly, respectful dojo 9 mentions

“Both their grades are As, they are so respectful/respected, responsible, kind, caring, and so mature.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 3 mentions

“The videos are very detailed and include a wealth of knowledge, just like you would get from attending in person.”

great workout & fitness 2 mentions

“Since starting here last November, I must say I have noticed a great improvement in my physical conditioning, but also in my mood and my attitude.”

🧒 strong kids program 5 mentions

“Most importantly, my son has gained confidence, strength, coordination, and a sense of belonging - which is difficult for those on the spectrum.”

traditional style & affiliation 3 mentions

“I have a lot of experience in martial arts (Kempo Karate, Taekwondo, Muay Thai, BJJ) but I started in Karate.”

From the reviews

If you are looking for Excellence, Here it IS!! If you want to be the BEST you have to TRAIN with the best.. Sensei Lyoto and Chinzo Machida are not only great instructors but great practitioners of Karate as well.

★★★★★ — Claycomb, Apr 2017

Machida Karate is really a unique and specialized form of Shotokan Karate. Since starting here last November, I must say I have noticed a great improvement in my physical conditioning, but also in my mood and my attitude.

★★★★★ — Abraham, Mar 2017

Great place to learn selfdefense and martial arts. My daughter has been taking classes for 2 years. While taking classes she was so happy to be part of this big group, this place makes you feel welcome. I also desided to take classes here as well and I really enjoy them.

★★★★★ — Irma, Jun 2021

My experience training at Machida Karate was nothing short of Legendary. I have a lot of experience in martial arts (Kempo Karate, Taekwondo, Muay Thai, BJJ) but I started in Karate. This was an awesome way to get back to my Karate roots.

★★★★★ — David, Sep 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 50 reviews →

New to Karate? Start at Machida Karate Academy

Machida 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first Karate class at Machida 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.

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 Machida Karate Academy

24333 Narbonne Ave, Lomita, CA90717

Get directions Instagram · Facebook

More Karate dojos near Lomita

Kyokushin Karate

5 ★★★★★ 9 reviews

1870 W Carson St, Torrance, CA

Karate dojo Beginners welcome Kids & teens Competition team Affiliated traditional style & affiliationbuilds confidence, discipline & respect

1.9 miles away

Old School Kenpo Karate

4.5 ★★★★★ 2 reviews

1951 W Carson St, Torrance, CA

🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site

Ages 8+

Karate dojo Free trial Kids & teens Private lessons Affiliated welcoming to women

1.9 miles away

Samurai Karate For Kids

1951 W Carson St, Torrance, CA

🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site

Ages 5–15

Karate dojo Free trial Kids & teens Private lessons

1.9 miles away

All Karate dojos in Lomita, CA →

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.