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Okinawa Karate Uechi Style
5 ★★★★★ 16 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Kalamazoo, Michigan
Part of Uechi-Ryu Karate
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
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — 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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule okinawankarate.academy — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (269) 529-1688
Hours
| Monday | 12–1:30 PM, 5–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 12–1:30 PM, 5–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 12–1:30 PM, 5–8 PM |
| Thursday | 12–1:30 PM, 5–8 PM |
| Friday | 12–1:30 PM, 5–8 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–12 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I used to go to classes as like a 10 year old kid, and then I moved all around the country and I kept looking for another place that was as good, but I never found one!”
“This place gave me huge benefits to my mental health, joint pain, and flexibility and they also taught me self defense.”
Other martial arts here
“This place gave me huge benefits to my mental health, joint pain, and flexibility and they also taught me self defense.”
What students say
“I should note here, he is a humble man and this attention is not something he seeks (this humility is also a good indicator of a reputable martial arts instructor).”
“If you want to learn traditional Uechi-Ryū Karate, this dojo is by far the best in the area.”
“This place gave me huge benefits to my mental health, joint pain, and flexibility and they also taught me self defense.”
From the reviews
If you want to learn traditional Uechi-Ryū Karate, this dojo is by far the best in the area. Mr. Thompson and his family—despite all their extraordinary accomplishments—embody a spirit of humility and generosity that speaks for itself.
I absolutely loved training here! It's authentic, and the instructors are very knowledgeable. It's a great workout as well! I recently moved away from Kalamazoo, and miss this place very much. People visit from all over the nation with a variety of martial arts backgrounds to train here.
Wonderful, family-owned Dojo. The instructors are a mother, father, and son trio at the head, with other instructors as well who teach (the children at least) occasionally.
Been a student here on and off since 1998-ish. Consistent, professional instruction. Many of the same instructors throughout all the years. Small, family feel.
Your first Karate class at Okinawa Karate Uechi Style
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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