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SDSS Martial Arts of Newtown
5 ★★★★★ 26 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Newtown, Connecticut
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
- Adult classes adult Karate classes — training built for grown-ups, from fitness and fundamentals to kumite (sparring) at your own pace
- Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule sdssnewtown.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (203) 426-4227
Hours
| Monday | 12–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 12–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 12–8 PM |
| Thursday | 12–8 PM |
| Friday | 2–6 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Master Chris has an amazing ability to keep the kids focused and making the classes fun while their learning these specific techniques.”
“I have studied with Master Chris Schafer for years now, and he is an exceptional instructor for adults and kids alike.”
Other martial arts here
“Because I was always drawn to Kung Fu, SDSS of Newtown was the perfect place to do so.”
What students say
“Master Chris has an amazing ability to keep the kids focused and making the classes fun while their learning these specific techniques.”
“I was looking for some fun activity that would help me stay fit and healthy.”
“Both my son and I are students and the confidence that my son has from going there makes my heart happy.”
“Master Chris has an amazing ability to keep the kids focused and making the classes fun while their learning these specific techniques.”
From the reviews
I cannot say enough wonderful things about SDSS. Both my son and I are students and the confidence that my son has from going there makes my heart happy. Master Chris is absolutely amazing and one of the best decisions I’ve made was bringing my son there.
I’ve known Master Chris for over 25 years. We tested for our 1st Degree and 2nd Degree Black Belts together, and I’ve had the chance to watch him grow into an outstanding instructor.
My daughter has learned so much and had so much fun since she started training at SDSS in Newtown. Master Schaeffer is absolutely beyond compare as an instructor and mentor. He is kind and fun and the kids all love him, but he also knows when and how to hold them accountable and maintain high standards.
I absolutely love my experience in here. I was looking for some fun activity that would help me stay fit and healthy. Something fun to do outside of work. Learning kung fu helps me understand my body and my mind, helps with awareness. Instructors are super kind, helpful and so knowledgeable. My classmates are awesome!
New to Karate? Start at SDSS Martial Arts of Newtown
SDSS Martial Arts of Newtown 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 SDSS Martial Arts of Newtown
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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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site