Home › California › Pinole › Sama Academy of Martial Arts
Sama Academy of Martial Arts
4.8 ★★★★★ 99 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Pinole, California
Plan your first class
- 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 samamartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 510-758-2007
Hours
| Monday | 3:30–9:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 3:30–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 3:30–8 pm |
| Thursday | 3:30–9 pm |
| Friday | 4–8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 8:30 am–2 pm |
| Sunday | 9 am–12 pm |
The classes they run
“As a busy mom of three energetic kids, I was at my wits' end trying to find activities that would spark their interest beyond screens and school routines.”
“My daughter started in their little samurai program and she loved it.”
“Sama is directly responsible for our son’s growth in many aspects which is great for a young teen.”
“They take their time teaching the kids and do one on one if necessary to mar sure every child is doing what they should be doing correctly.”
“Beyond self defense, the kids learn self confidence.”
“The instructors are knowledgeable, kind, and very patient making it a great place for beginners and advanced students alike.”
Other martial arts here
“He is now 9 and a Jr Black Belt as well as he is in there BJJ program.”
“I also took advantage of the parent kickboxing special and have loved it!”
“Beyond self defense, the kids learn self confidence.”
What students say
“From the very first session, my kids (ages 4, 7, and 8) found a welcoming space where they could explore their passions without the pressure of rigid team dynamics.”
“The staff and administrators are known for their friendly and welcoming demeanor, creating a positive and inclusive environment for all students.”
“Not only is it a great workout but now my son and I have something in common to do together.”
“I initially enrolled my son to help build his confidence since he’s quite shy, and after a little over a year, I’ve seen amazing progress in his focus, discipline, and confidence.”
“We love sama and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an accessible and affordable outlet for their child.”
“I initially enrolled my son to help build his confidence since he’s quite shy, and after a little over a year, I’ve seen amazing progress in his focus, discipline, and confidence.”
From the reviews
Sama Academy of Martial Arts is an exceptional martial arts school with a team of professional instructors dedicated to their craft. The staff and administrators are known for their friendly and welcoming demeanor, creating a positive and inclusive environment for all students.
Sama Academy has been an incredible place for both my son and me. I can’t say enough great things about this place. I initially enrolled my son to help build his confidence since he’s quite shy, and after a little over a year, I’ve seen amazing progress in his focus, discipline, and confidence.
As a busy mom of three energetic kids, I was at my wits' end trying to find activities that would spark their interest beyond screens and school routines. Traditional sports like soccer or basketball just didn't click—they lacked motivation and often felt dragged along.
SAMA is a community! My daughter started in their little samurai program and she loved it. She is now set on advancing through their classes. Although the advancement is a commitment in time, I have seen a change in my daughter's focus, sense of self, responsibility, and courage to communicate herself to the world.
New to Karate? Start at Sama Academy of Martial Arts
Sama Academy of Martial Arts 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 Sama Academy of Martial Arts
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 Pinole
Solis Martial Arts
5 ★★★★★ 9 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
JP's Kajukenbo Karate
4.7 ★★★★★ 13 reviews