Home › Virginia › Annandale › Seichou Karate
Seichou Karate
5 ★★★★★ 39 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Annandale, Virginia
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
- 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 (ages 6–12) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule seichoukarate.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 571-257-5401
Hours
| Monday | 4–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 11:45 am–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 4–8 pm |
| Thursday | 11:45 am–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 4–8 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–1:30 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“This is the best place for your kids if you want them to learn self-control, discipline, teamwork, controlled attention, accurate thinking, positive mental attitude.”
“Seichou Karate offers a balance of mobility/stretching, kata, and Kyokushin style sparring every class.”
“Seichou Karate offers a balance of mobility/stretching, kata, and Kyokushin style sparring every class.”
“As a middle-aged person, who had never done martial arts as a child, I had never considered that I could start at my age.”
Other martial arts here
“I have trained in Muay Thai for roughly 3 years and also have trained BJJ moving around states throughout the years.”
“I have trained in Muay Thai for roughly 3 years and also have trained BJJ moving around states throughout the years.”
What students say
“After some encouragement from some fellow adults about a year ago, I went to my first class on April 4, 2023.”
“The dojo is a welcoming community, and other students are eager to help you succeed.”
“The program goes above and beyond physical activity, by encouraging stamina, focus, attention to detail, discipline, hard work, and instilling personal responsibility.”
“I'm in my mid-30's and without a doubt am in the best shape of my life thanks to the dojo.”
“I have been training at Seichou Karate for over a year after moving to DC from NYC where I trained at Seido karate (another offshoot of kyokushin).”
“It is run as a real, traditional dojo for karateka, at a great value without any sales pressure.”
From the reviews
My son has been part of this dojo for just over one year and I can truly say it is one of the most impressive programs I have seen. Shihan Romero puts significant time and attention into the program, ensuring that the kids not only learn the karate moves, but also the philosophy and cultural aspects of karate.
As a middle-aged person, who had never done martial arts as a child, I had never considered that I could start at my age. After some encouragement from some fellow adults about a year ago, I went to my first class on April 4, 2023.
My daughter started karate lessons as an alternative to the dreaded middle school "winter fitness" class. In less than a month, her ability to focus on homework and piano practice has significantly improved, as has her posture.
I started at Seichou Karate in 2009. However, after a brief hiatus, I was able to come back to Seichou Karate, and restart at the high of the pandemic by taking virtual classes thanks to the dedication Shihan Romero has with his students.
New to Karate? Start at Seichou Karate
Seichou 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 Seichou 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.
More Karate dojos near Annandale
International Shotokan Karate Association of Northern Virginia
4.9 ★★★★★ 11 reviews
Okinawan Karate for Women
5 ★★★★★ 7 reviews