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San Francisco Shotokan Karate
5 ★★★★★ 10 Google reviews · Karate dojo in San Francisco, 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
- 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 sf.ska.org — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 415-916-9620
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 7–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 7–8:30 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The practice consists of basics/kihon, forms/kata, and controlled sparing/kumite.”
“The practice consists of basics/kihon, forms/kata, and controlled sparing/kumite.”
“They’re very welcoming and supportive, and I’ve gained confidence and some valuable self defense knowledge!”
“So, whether you have never trained, or you have been training for years, you will be glad you came to this dojo.”
Other martial arts here
“They’re very welcoming and supportive, and I’ve gained confidence and some valuable self defense knowledge!”
What students say
“They’re very welcoming and supportive, and I’ve gained confidence and some valuable self defense knowledge!”
“They’re very welcoming and supportive, and I’ve gained confidence and some valuable self defense knowledge!”
“The practice consists of basics/kihon, forms/kata, and controlled sparing/kumite.”
“This is an excellent group of people who know how to practice and follow the long lineage of Shotokan karate from Japan.”
“They’re very welcoming and supportive, and I’ve gained confidence and some valuable self defense knowledge!”
From the reviews
This is an excellent group of people who know how to practice and follow the long lineage of Shotokan karate from Japan. The practice consists of basics/kihon, forms/kata, and controlled sparing/kumite. The organization also connects you with dojos around the US and the world, who all practice in a similar manner.
SF Shotokan Karate is a fantastic dojo that offers top quality instruction to its students at an exceptional value. In addition to training at one of the SF locations, there is a myriad of opportunities to train with sister dojos throughout not only the Bay Area, but worldwide.
I have trained with members of the San Francisco Shotokan Karate for a decade now, being lucky enough to have been instructed at various practices and special trainings by former dojo leader, Jane, and being a member of the US team with current dojo leader, Mike.
I’ve started at this dojo in 2022, and I have learned so much and met a great community of people, in the dojo and in the greater SKA organization. They’re very welcoming and supportive, and I’ve gained confidence and some valuable self defense knowledge!
New to Karate? Start at San Francisco Shotokan Karate
San Francisco 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 Francisco 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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