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Nokomis Shotokan Karate
5 ★★★★★ 8 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Minneapolis, Minnesota
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
- Membership memberships around $20/mo — many dojos also offer a discounted first month and family plans, so ask about new-student rates
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule nokomisshotokankarate.com — book classes and see the live schedule
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 6–7 pm |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 6–7 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 10–11 am |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Many levels of skill represented here so its a great place for beginners and advanced students alike!”
What students say
“Excellent instruction and respect to all participants.”
“Many levels of skill represented here so its a great place for beginners and advanced students alike!”
“Sensei Michael Fusaro is a world class karate instructor and has competed in world tournaments.”
“He is deeply knowledgable, having grown up in the art and discipline of Shotokan karate and having taught classes for over 50 years.”
“He is deeply knowledgable, having grown up in the art and discipline of Shotokan karate and having taught classes for over 50 years.”
From the reviews
IMO, Sensei Michael is one of the top 5 sensei's in the US today. He is deeply knowledgable, having grown up in the art and discipline of Shotokan karate and having taught classes for over 50 years. His ability to identify and convey improvement areas for each student is phenomenal.
Sensei Michael Fusaro is a world class karate instructor and has competed in world tournaments. He has a deep understanding of karate and body mechanics. His classes are lively and changeling for all levels. He has over 50 years of experience and it shows in his teaching.and karate.
One of the few places to train traditional karate. The sensei has lots of knowledge and experience. The community is very positive and the students and sensei support and encourage each other. Sensei is a great teacher and mentor! Highly recommended!!!
Sensei Michael is one of the most talented karate teachers I’ve ever had the pleasure to train with! The classes are fun and challenging and the space to train in is beautiful and comfortable.
New to Karate? Start at Nokomis Shotokan Karate
Nokomis Shotokan 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 Nokomis Shotokan 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. 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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