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SEIWAKAI KARATE SILICON VALLEY

5 ★★★★★ 11 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Menlo Park, California

Karate dojo Affiliated Kids & teens Competition team

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

  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule gojuryu.net — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 650-394-6669

Hours

Monday 5:45–9 pm
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 5:45–9 pm
Thursday Closed
Friday Closed
Saturday 5–7 pm
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, belt tests, and seminars — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

Karate classes on the schedule at SEIWAKAI KARATE SILICON VALLEY, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌀 Kata (Forms) 3 mentions

“Or you may be interested specifically in sport kumite, kata, or the self defense applications of karate do.”

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🥊 Kumite / Sparring 3 mentions

“Or you may be interested specifically in sport kumite, kata, or the self defense applications of karate do.”

All dojos that run kumite / sparring →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“Or you may be interested specifically in sport kumite, kata, or the self defense applications of karate do.”

All dojos that run self-defense →

🧒 Kids Karate

“His classes are also great for kids to learn skills, patience, and discipline.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

Other martial arts here

Karate dojos are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else students mention training under the same roof at SEIWAKAI KARATE SILICON VALLEY — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense

“Or you may be interested specifically in sport kumite, kata, or the self defense applications of karate do.”

Other dojos that also teach self-defense →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the dojo's own info — they show what students have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want taekwondo, jiu-jitsu, or kickboxing alongside your Karate, confirm the current schedule with the dojo.

What students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 11 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 8 mentions

“You will get out of karate what you put into it, and JP Sensei is a world class instructor who will help you achieve whatever your karate goal may be.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 7 mentions

“You may be interested in karate for its physical fitness benefits, the philosophy, or technical details.”

active competition / tournament team 4 mentions

“Or you may be interested specifically in sport kumite, kata, or the self defense applications of karate do.”

traditional style & affiliation 4 mentions

“He is the author of an amazing book about history of goju-ryu, where he did extensive research about the style.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 4 mentions

“Excellent Sensei with years of experience in helping students improve themselves through training while focusing on honor and respect.”

From the reviews

I've trained with Johnpaul Williams Sensei ever since I met him, he is one of the most knowledgeable teachers I have had the privilege to learn from. I value his insight on training, Japanese language and culture, and above all - his friendship.

★★★★★ — Sean, Apr 2018

Very comfortable environment. Instructors are very knowledgeable and patient. I didn’t have a hard time following their lead. I look forward to learning much more. Bring a friend like I did. The class is always interesting.

★★★★★ — Marq, May 2018

Johnpaul Sensei has helped me tremendously ever since I have known him. He has an incredible in depth knowlege of martial arts that so few teachers have. You won't find a better teacher or friend.

★★★★★ — Kevin, Apr 2018

Excellent Sensei with years of experience in helping students improve themselves through training while focusing on honor and respect.

★★★★★ — Steve, Apr 2018

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 11 reviews →

Your first Karate class at SEIWAKAI KARATE SILICON VALLEY

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.

Karate is a contact sport. Ease in, train within your limits, listen to your instructors, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find SEIWAKAI KARATE SILICON VALLEY

700 Alma St, Menlo Park, CA94025

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this dojo? Claim your listing — it's free.