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San Diego Peninsula Shotokan Karate
5 ★★★★★ 6 Google reviews · Karate dojo in San Diego, California
Part of Shotokan Karate (JKA)
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
- Membership memberships around $55/mo — many dojos also offer a discounted first month and family plans, so ask about new-student rates
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule peninsula.ska.org — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (619) 627-1555
Hours
| Monday | 6:30–8 PM |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 7:15–8:45 PM |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 9–10:30 AM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
Other martial arts here
What students say
“A place to practice the most traditional form of karate, mind and body.”
“Worthy of its stellar 5 star reputation, Shotokan Karate of America stands proudly thanks to its focus on tradition.”
“Worthy of its stellar 5 star reputation, Shotokan Karate of America stands proudly thanks to its focus on tradition.”
From the reviews
Worthy of its stellar 5 star reputation, Shotokan Karate of America stands proudly thanks to its focus on tradition. Following the orthodoxy of their founder Tsutomu Ohshima Sensei, a direct disciple of Master Gichin Funakoshi, and now under Shihan John Teramoto, Shotokan Karate of America prioritizes the true…
Experienced and dedicated instructors teach traditional Shotokan karate at this dojo of Shotokan Karate of America. Dojo members have different backgrounds and skill levels, but all share an honest attitude, strong mentality, and a desire to learn and understand their martial art.
I went to a practice this morning led by the leader and attended by members of the San Diego Peninsula Dojo. Participants came from across 11 SKA dojos in Southern California.
Great place to train and awesome people. I recently started training karate again after a long break and everyone here at Peninsula SKA has been very welcoming. Great training and would welcome anybody to try a class out if you have an interest in Shotokan.
New to Karate? Start at San Diego Peninsula Shotokan Karate
San Diego Peninsula Shotokan Karate 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 San Diego Peninsula Shotokan 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.
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