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Old Greenwich Karate/Okinawa Arts

5 ★★★★★ 8 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Riverside, Connecticut

Karate dojo Kids & teens

Plan your first class

  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Website & schedule ogkarate.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 203-637-2685

The classes they run

Karate classes on the schedule at Old Greenwich Karate/Okinawa Arts, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 10 mentions

“The kids love him - my son is almost a black belt - because he constantly makes Karate fun for them.”

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Teens

“Me, my father and little sister faithfully continued classes all the way through to the end of my high school career.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense 6 mentions

“His style of Isshinryu Karate designed for self-defense (as opposed to competition) is perfect for my kids who are not competitive but want to learn karate and self-defense.”

All dojos that run self-defense →

Other martial arts here

Karate dojos are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else students mention training under the same roof at Old Greenwich Karate/Okinawa Arts — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense 6 mentions

“His style of Isshinryu Karate designed for self-defense (as opposed to competition) is perfect for my kids who are not competitive but want to learn karate and self-defense.”

Other dojos that also teach self-defense →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the dojo's own info — they show what students have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want taekwondo, jiu-jitsu, or kickboxing alongside your Karate, confirm the current schedule with the dojo.

What students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 8 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 2 mentions

“Sensei is warm, sweet, patient, funny, WONDERFUL with kids, and an all around amazing person.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 2 mentions

“My sister started at 3 years old and now she is a multi degree black belt in SEVERAL martial arts forms.”

🧒 strong kids program 2 mentions

“Jacqui is so loving, talented and caring, and my son loves her art classes when he does vacation/summer camp as much as he does Sensei's karate classes.”

active competition / tournament team 3 mentions

“His style of Isshinryu Karate designed for self-defense (as opposed to competition) is perfect for my kids who are not competitive but want to learn karate and self-defense.”

traditional style & affiliation 2 mentions

“His style of Isshinryu Karate designed for self-defense (as opposed to competition) is perfect for my kids who are not competitive but want to learn karate and self-defense.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 2 mentions

“I learned not only how to defend myself, but also crucial life skills like discipline, respect, perseverance and hard work.”

From the reviews

I can't praise Sensei Rick and Jacqui Zimmerman of Old Greenwich Karate/Action Arts highly enough. They've been like family since my 10 year old son started karate lessons there in kindergarten. Sensei is warm, sweet, patient, funny, WONDERFUL with kids, and an all around amazing person.

★★★★★ — Keren, Oct 2017

My kids have been taking classes with Sensei Rock for years. He's wonderful! His style of Isshinryu Karate designed for self-defense (as opposed to competition) is perfect for my kids who are not competitive but want to learn karate and self-defense.

★★★★★ — Karen, Oct 2017

I started classes with Sensei Rick in 1998 at the age of 7. Me, my father and little sister faithfully continued classes all the way through to the end of my high school career. My experience at Old Greenwich karate shaped my life in an incredibly positive way.

★★★★★ — Jess, Nov 2023

Sensei Rick "gets it"! The kids love him - my son is almost a black belt - because he constantly makes Karate fun for them. WE LOVE OGK!

★★★★★ — Melissa, Oct 2017

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 8 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Old Greenwich Karate/Okinawa 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.

Karate is a contact sport. Ease in, train within your limits, listen to your instructors, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Old Greenwich Karate/Okinawa Arts

St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 200 Riverside Ave, Riverside, CT06878

Get directions

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this dojo? Claim your listing — it's free.