Home › Alaska › Eagle River › Okamoto's Karate
Okamoto's Karate
4.6 ★★★★★ 10 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Eagle River, Alaska
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 okamotoskarate.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (907) 694-6994
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 5–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 5–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 5–8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 12–2 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Senpai Fred has been amazing and very patient with all the kids but at the same time, he is firm and makes sure that they learn self control, discipline and respect.”
“Our 4 year old has shown improvement in his participation and enthusiasm since he started Tiny Tigers a few months ago.”
“I was most impressed that they talk about the importance of using words before resorting to physical measures and they teach practical anti-bullying techniques.”
Other martial arts here
“As a child psychiatrist I value the fact that in addition to learning self defense my kids are learning the importance of respect, discipline and self control.”
What students say
“I was most impressed that they talk about the importance of using words before resorting to physical measures and they teach practical anti-bullying techniques.”
“Senpai Fred has been amazing and very patient with all the kids but at the same time, he is firm and makes sure that they learn self control, discipline and respect.”
From the reviews
I've been taking classes here along with my son for the past few years and it's been a very rewarding experience. Sempai Fred Manzano is an excellent instructor who exercises great patience with the younger kids, while still challenging everyone to be their best.
My son was in the Tiny Tigers since the first day, they demonstrated commitment to helping my son build confidence, self-control, respect, resilience and all while still being a kid and having so much fun! The clases vary, but always have the same start and structure.
My two boys and I have attended classes for about 2 years. The instructors are very friendly and tailor their teaching to the age and developmental level of the student.
After posting my original review, the karate master personally called me to discuss my concerns and apologized for how the situation was handled. He took the time to explain the school’s policies, sent me their welcome packet for reference, and encouraged me to reach out directly with any future questions or concerns.
New to Karate? Start at Okamoto's Karate
Okamoto's 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 Okamoto's 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.
More Karate dojos near Eagle River
Alaska Moving Arts Center/ Shotokan Karate Club
4.9 ★★★★★ 22 reviews
Okamoto's Karate
4.5 ★★★★★ 31 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site