Home › Florida › Largo › Ryan Dean's The Dojo Martial Arts and Fitness
Ryan Dean's The Dojo Martial Arts and Fitness
4.9 ★★★★★ 88 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Largo, Florida
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
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- 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
- Adult classes adult Karate classes — training built for grown-ups, from fitness and fundamentals to kumite (sparring) at your own pace
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule ryandeansthedojo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 727-542-2911
Hours
| Monday | 9:30 am–9:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 9:30 am–9:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 9:30 am–9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 9:30 am–9:30 pm |
| Friday | 9:30 am–6 pm |
| Saturday | 8:30–10:30 am |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The Dojo is a fantastic place for children to socialize, learn valuable life benefits of Karate, and get great excersize at the same time in an inclusive and nurturing environment.”
“I moved out of town a couple years ago, but when I'm in town I go by the dojo to either do a class or one on one session.”
“Absolutely the best place around whether you want to learn martial arts for self development, competition, or self defense.”
“Friendly for beginners, while also remaining competitive.”
Other martial arts here
“I was invited with the USF judo club to come and practice and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made.”
“Absolutely the best place around whether you want to learn martial arts for self development, competition, or self defense.”
What students say
“Sensei Ryan is great, always available to talk to any parent who asks for a minute of his time.”
“Ryan is first class, and will not try to sell you programs you are not interested in taking.”
“Sensei Ryan and his team of experienced instructors provide a safe and supportive environment for children to learn and grow.”
“You can guarantee your child will learn respect and develop confidence by being part of this dojo, as mine has.”
“You can guarantee your child will learn respect and develop confidence by being part of this dojo, as mine has.”
From the reviews
I went to Ryan to try to get back in shape. Lifting weights at the gym was barely making me break a sweat. I joined The Dojo for the boot camp, but ended up taking some martial arts classes, as well. Ryan is first class, and will not try to sell you programs you are not interested in taking.
My son has been a faithful student of Ryan Dean for nearly 4 years now (and sadly, I’m JUST NOW writing this long deserved review!) My son is part of the after school program and the summer camp, and I cannot say enough great things about this place. The staff that provides the after care is amazing— Ms. Ellie and Ms.
Master Dean has trained me both of my children since 2004. He is extremely passionate about martial arts with the patience to teach and engage children. I moved out of town a couple years ago, but when I'm in town I go by the dojo to either do a class or one on one session. He's one of the best in the business
Ryan is superb with my four-year-old grandson who is a great student. I am so glad that I have enrolled him in this wonderful program and Ryan is so patient and really good with these kids. I have been to the other martial arts classes and Ryan Dean Martial Arts is by far the best.
New to Karate? Start at Ryan Dean's The Dojo Martial Arts and Fitness
Ryan Dean's The Dojo Martial Arts and Fitness comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo — noted on their own site. If you've never thrown a punch or set foot in a dojo, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and the sensei scales the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable dojos build fundamentals (stances, blocks, punches, and kicks) for weeks, and kumite (sparring) eases in gradually, with pads and control. Third, all levels and ages really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most dojos are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first Karate class at Ryan Dean's The Dojo Martial Arts and Fitness
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.
More Karate dojos near Largo
Budokan Karate USA
5 ★★★★★ 21 reviews
St Petersburg Karate Academy
4.6 ★★★★★ 10 reviews
Bushido Karate Academy
5 ★★★★★ 120 reviews