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Palm Springs Karate Academy

5 ★★★★★ 16 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Palm Springs, California

Karate dojo Free trial Affiliated Kids & teens Private lessons Weapons / kobudo

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

  • 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
  • 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
  • Weapons / kobudo traditional weapons (kobudo) classes — kata with the bo, sai, and nunchaku, taught with control and discipline
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule pskarate.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 760-321-0111

Hours

Monday 11 am–2 pm
Tuesday 2–8:30 pm
Wednesday Closed
Thursday 2–7:30 pm
Friday Closed
Saturday 9 am–1:30 pm
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 Palm Springs Karate Academy, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 6 mentions

“Highly recommended for Children if you want to teach them discipline and true, agile strength.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

⚔️ Weapons (Kobudo)

All dojos that run weapons (kobudo) →

What students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 16 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 2 mentions

“I travel 30min to take my kids here and Guy is the best sensei one could wish for.”

traditional style & affiliation 2 mentions

“Palm Springs Karate Academy is the dojo you are seeking if your search entails true, traditional Okinawan karate.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 11 mentions

“Highly recommended for Children if you want to teach them discipline and true, agile strength.”

From the reviews

Sensei Holtzman is a breed that is declining rapidly - tough as nails, knowledgeable, caring in matters that truly mean something. Hundreds of Dojos exist in America, and suffice to say most do not have much of a history or tradition.

★★★★★ — ꧁Φ, Apr 2022

Palm Springs Karate Academy is the dojo you are seeking if your search entails true, traditional Okinawan karate. Sensei Guy Holtzman holds a high standard of respect for the art by not only challenging students, but himself to train hard in order to reach the level of excellence set by the masters of old and seek…

★★★★★ — Preston, Aug 2023

Sensei Guy is very passionate, disciplined yet still funny and make the kids comfortable. Karate builds mental and physical endurance.

★★★★★ — Mai, Sep 2022

Due to my experience with bullying in the past, this dojo is by far the most impressive and made me feel as if I am welcomed and feel in a safe environment, where students can train efficiently. Within this dojo, you are respected, disciplined, taught, and treated as if you're family.

★★★★★ — Cara, Sep 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 16 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Palm Springs Karate Academy

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 Palm Springs Karate Academy

948 Vella Rd, Palm Springs, CA92264

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.