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Orange County Japan Karate Association

5 ★★★★★ 8 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Lake Forest, California

Karate dojo Affiliated Kids & teens

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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule ocjka.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (949) 466-6128

Hours

Monday 6:30–8:30 PM
Tuesday 6:30–8:30 PM
Wednesday 6:30–8:30 PM
Thursday 6:30–8:30 PM
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, belt tests, and seminars — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

Karate classes on the schedule at Orange County Japan Karate Association, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 6 mentions

“Great for all ages, I know, because I joined with my kid and there are other families that practice there too.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🌀 Kata (Forms)

“He is always eager to teach and there are other senior black belts ready to help students improve their forms and katas.”

All dojos that run kata (forms) →

Other martial arts here

Karate dojos are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else students mention training under the same roof at Orange County Japan Karate Association — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

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 3 mentions

“Sensei is amazing and the team will help you in the best way they can.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 2 mentions

“He is always eager to teach and there are other senior black belts ready to help students improve their forms and katas.”

🧒 strong kids program 2 mentions

“What can I say this place is awesome the Sensei really knows his stuff and is great with my kid love it”

traditional style & affiliation 3 mentions

“I was searching for a traditional Karate class in OC and was really fortunate to find this place.”

From the reviews

My daughter has been a student for close to an year. I was searching for a traditional Karate class in OC and was really fortunate to find this place. Sensei Cheah is great! He is an international level judge and has represented the US team.

★★★★★ — Suman, Sep 2020

What can I say this place is awesome the Sensei really knows his stuff and is great with my kid love it

★★★★★ — Troy, Jul 2019

Great place to learn traditional Shotokan Karate from Sensei Cheah. He is always eager to teach and there are other senior black belts ready to help students improve their forms and katas. Great for all ages, I know, because I joined with my kid and there are other families that practice there too.

★★★★★ — Yuh, Oct 2025

This is the best Karate dojo in Orange County. Sensei is amazing and the team will help you in the best way they can. Please visit. You won't regret it!

★★★★★ — Mauricio, Sep 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 8 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Orange County Japan Karate Association

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 Orange County Japan Karate Association

20761 Lake Forest Dr, Lake Forest, CA92630

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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.