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Nakata Dojo Traditional Karate
5 ★★★★★ 27 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Urbandale, Iowa
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
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes (ages 4–17) — 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
- Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule nakatadojo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (515) 505-8241
Hours
| Monday | 4:30–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 4–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 4:30–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 4–8 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 9 AM–12:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“We have had a lot of help with by Kenji (sensei) and his family to raise our kids to be strong and confident and accomplished!”
“I love the one on one focus he has for his students and the convenience to my family for the location and time flexibility.”
“If you are looking for a great way to teach your kid about self defense, discipline, and the Japanese martial arts, this is the place for you.”
Other martial arts here
“If you are looking for a great way to teach your kid about self defense, discipline, and the Japanese martial arts, this is the place for you.”
What students say
“Sensei is amazing with all the children and pushes them to be the best they can be!”
“We have had a lot of help with by Kenji (sensei) and his family to raise our kids to be strong and confident and accomplished!”
“Please note my opinion, kiddos with special needs should be able to stand without assistance and follow basic instructions to be successful at the dojo.”
“We have had a lot of help with by Kenji (sensei) and his family to raise our kids to be strong and confident and accomplished!”
“After playing years of D1 football I wanted to find something with low impact but still be able to compete.”
“If you want to learn traditional karate, this is the place to learn.”
From the reviews
My child has been going for about a month. She has special needs along with mobility struggles. I called a few places in the Metro and this dojo was the only one willing to take her without exception. Sensei at the dojo is amazing with her. Hes so kind and patient.
My twins are black belts thanks to the sanseis of this Dojo! They were barely 5 years old when they started and steady and at their pace they gave them all the tools to become successful at this art form. I have seen our quiet child become confident and strong in his abilities.
Kenji does a great job getting the students acclimated to the structure of class! He does not shy from giving constructive feedback to the students but does so in a way to motivate the students and give them something to work towards. Scheduling and class options are great.
Kids really enjoy going to karate. Sensei is amazing with all the children and pushes them to be the best they can be! Highly recommend!
New to Karate? Start at Nakata Dojo Traditional Karate
Nakata Dojo Traditional Karate 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.
Your first Karate class at Nakata Dojo Traditional 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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