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Nishime Martial Arts
4.9 ★★★★★ 137 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Cincinnati, Ohio
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
- 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 cincinnatimartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 513-353-5425
Hours
| Monday | 1–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 1–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 1–9 pm |
| Thursday | 1–9 pm |
| Friday | 1–9 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–2 pm |
| Sunday | 1 am–5 pm |
The classes they run
“My son is 5 and was tentative to start so it was great to have the free week and the month long trial before committing .”
“The coaches are all wonderful and the teens who help with the younger age classes set a great example.”
Other martial arts here
“I’ve been taking Jiu Jitsu classes here for almost a year and look forward to coming in every time.”
What students say
“Both my children have gained self confidence, motivation and mental strength thanks to the amazing instructors.”
“There are plenty of weekly classes to choose from, and the community is extremely welcoming.”
“The Nishime Family karate is one of the best thing that happened to my 5 years old son and my 9 years old daughter.”
“I’m a black belt in another system and I like the techniques this school teaches as well as the staffs interaction with children.”
“Both my children have gained self confidence, motivation and mental strength thanks to the amazing instructors.”
“I have competed in two tournaments with great success thanks to the support and expert coaching I’ve received before and during matches.”
From the reviews
I have been training Jiu Jitsu at Nishime Martial Arts for about six months. I can only say it is a fantastic group of people to train with. The head instructor Jason Nishime, assistant instructor Drew Canfield, and all the advanced belts provide excellent instruction and a welcoming environment to grow your knowledge…
It has been over a year since our children became members of the Nishime "family". I say the word family because it is truly the backbone of this dojo. Our children were immediately welcomed and incorporated in the environment. The instructors are knowledgeable, personable, and patient.
This karate dojo has been an incredible experience for our kids. The instructors are patient, encouraging, and truly understand how to work with kids of all ages and skill levels. They create a positive, structured environment where children feel supported while learning discipline, focus, and respect.
The Nishime Family karate is one of the best thing that happened to my 5 years old son and my 9 years old daughter. The instructors really care about the children and they go beyond teaching karate. Both my children have gained self confidence, motivation and mental strength thanks to the amazing instructors.
New to Karate? Start at Nishime Martial Arts
Nishime 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.
Your first Karate class at Nishime 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.
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