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S.K.I Karate Dojo (Shotokan Karate International)

5 ★★★★★ 8 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Merced, California

Part of Shotokan Karate (JKA)

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 ·
  • Phone +1 209-777-1201

Hours

Monday 6–8 pm
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday Closed
Thursday Closed
Friday 6–8 pm
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 S.K.I Karate Dojo (Shotokan Karate International), confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 10 mentions

“Great instructor Amilton Barboza, my girls are learning quickly thanks to the teaching method Amilton has, great learning experience on self defense for the kids and adults”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“Great instructor Amilton Barboza, my girls are learning quickly thanks to the teaching method Amilton has, great learning experience on self defense for the kids and adults”

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 S.K.I Karate Dojo (Shotokan Karate International) — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“Great instructor Amilton Barboza, my girls are learning quickly thanks to the teaching method Amilton has, great learning experience on self defense for the kids and adults”

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.

🧒 strong kids program 2 mentions

“Sensei Amilton Barboza is very good with teaching the children and I have already seen my child’s self confidence improve in a short time since starting over a month ago.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 3 mentions

“Sensei Amilton Barboza is very good with teaching the children and I have already seen my child’s self confidence improve in a short time since starting over a month ago.”

From the reviews

Sensei Amilton Barboza is very good with teaching the children and I have already seen my child’s self confidence improve in a short time since starting over a month ago. The classes are a couple times a week and help the children build a good foundation for self defense, discipline and respect.

★★★★★ — Marc, May 2023

Great instructor Amilton Barboza, my girls are learning quickly thanks to the teaching method Amilton has, great learning experience on self defense for the kids and adults

★★★★★ — Rodrigo, May 2023

My son attended class here with Sensai & it was a wonderful experience! He is very passionate & knowledgeable.

★★★★★ — Ally, May 2023

My daughter loves coming to her classes. Thank you for being so patient with our children Sensei

★★★★★ — Brenda, May 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 8 reviews →

Your first Karate class at S.K.I Karate Dojo (Shotokan Karate International)

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 S.K.I Karate Dojo (Shotokan Karate International)

301 W 18th St #103, Merced, CA95340

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.