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Rising Tide Karate

4.9 ★★★★★ 54 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Olympia, Washington

Karate dojo Kids & teens Competition team

Plan your first class

  • 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
  • Phone (360) 706-2735

The classes they run

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

🧒 Kids Karate 13 mentions

“I spent the last 15 years watching my kids explore different dojos and styles and can confidently state that the experience at Rising Tide is far and away the best.”

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Teens

“Never participated myself as a kiddo in individual or team sports; participated in band class then marching band in High School - this was a nerve wracking decision.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense 6 mentions

“Sensei Josh and Sensei Polly have created a caring, supportive, learning atmosphere that focuses on individual growth, empowerment, and self-defense.”

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Other martial arts here

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

🐉 Kung Fu 3 mentions

“Sensei Josh recently started up a Wing Chun Do class for those of us wanting to learn a more combative style for self-defense.”

Other dojos that also teach kung fu →

🛡️ Self-Defense 6 mentions

“Sensei Josh and Sensei Polly have created a caring, supportive, learning atmosphere that focuses on individual growth, empowerment, 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 54 Google reviews — in their own words.

🌱 welcoming to beginners 5 mentions

“Understanding the purpose is a cornerstone of every class, regardless of whether they are teaching a beginner or advanced karate class, Wing Chun Do, Weapons, or any specialty.”

friendly, respectful dojo 20 mentions

“Sensei Josh and Sensei Polly have created a caring, supportive, learning atmosphere that focuses on individual growth, empowerment, and self-defense.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 5 mentions

“I am very impressed with the attention to detail and professionalism of Rising Tide.”

🧒 strong kids program 2 mentions

“My children are working on their patience, focus, and self-control; I see improvements!”

💵 good value / fair pricing 2 mentions

“We are so blessed to have found this place and they are worth every penny.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 13 mentions

“As much as I enjoy the Wado Ryu style of karate that Rising Tide teaches, which also has a strong focus on sparing and self-defense, my favorite class is Wing Chun Do.”

From the reviews

The experience, knowledge, teaching that Joshua gives is the best! It’s clear, my kids & myself are all in the classes and we look forward to our karate days! The kids have fun and I love a good challenge and that’s what you get with Rising Tide Karate.

★★★★★ — Mellanie, Feb 2022

5 Stars for Rising Tide Karate. Sensei Josh and Sensei Polly are wonderful! If you are at all interested in learning Karate, you need to stop by and speak with them. It has been a great experience for me. I am a senior woman with no back ground whatsoever in the Arts.

★★★★★ — Margaret, Oct 2021

We absolutely love Rising Tide Karate. My two little ones (age 3&4.5) are obsessed. They go twice a week and are not only having fun but learning so much. We love the atmosphere so much that my husband has also decided to take night classes with some of the other dads.

★★★★★ — Ashley, Feb 2021

My three children ranging from ages 4-9 attend karate lessons at Rising Tide. Owners Sensai Josh and Sensai Polly teach the classes and they are excellent communicators, helping each child be their best. They teach focus, responsibility, and strength while making it fun.

★★★★★ — Kara, Feb 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 54 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Rising Tide 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.

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 Rising Tide Karate

625 Black Lake Blvd SW Unit 374, Olympia, WA98502

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.