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Shorei Goju Karate Academy

4.8 ★★★★★ 46 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Rio Rancho, New Mexico

Part of Goju-Ryu Karate

Karate dojo Free trial 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

  • 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
  • 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 ·
  • Phone (575) 840-6331

Hours

Monday 5:30–7 PM
Tuesday 5:30–7 PM
Wednesday 6–7:30 PM
Thursday 5:30–7 PM
Friday 6–7:30 PM
Saturday Closed
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 Shorei Goju Karate Academy, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 26 mentions

“My daughter has gone from a scared child with no confidence to a warrior realizing her worth as a person and feeling good about the hard work she puts in to being herself.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🥊 Kumite / Sparring

“Learning is satisfying and sparring gives you a chance to practice and apply what you’ve learned.”

All dojos that run kumite / sparring →

What students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 46 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 4 mentions

“Sensei Dwight is the great teacher with lots of knowledge and experience.”

friendly, respectful dojo 15 mentions

“They told me they had a family rate if I wanted to come as well, so my boys, daughter, and I joined.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 2 mentions

“Shorei Ryu not only accepts younger children, but they actually take the time to teach the karate fundamentals to the littler ones.”

🧒 strong kids program 7 mentions

“My daughter has gone from a scared child with no confidence to a warrior realizing her worth as a person and feeling good about the hard work she puts in to being herself.”

active competition / tournament team 2 mentions

“I have been taking martial arts off and on for many years, I love to compete in tournaments.”

traditional style & affiliation 4 mentions

“My son has been with Shorei Goju for about 5 years now.”

From the reviews

The sensei is very knowledgeable and patient and teaches real traditional karate along with all the other attributes that come with it such as discipline, self confidence and a sense of belonging as well as accomplishment. I recommend this school for all ages and experiences.

★★★★★ — Eric, Aug 2018

I'm so happy I found this school! The sensei is 9 tlme world champion! I have been taking martial arts off and on for many years, I love to compete in tournaments. He is a perfectionist and wants his students to succeed. The sensei's first student also a world champion.

★★★★★ — Michael, Sep 2018

I had been looking for some type of martial arts for my sons for awhile. Either they were too expensive or didn't have have enough options or just didn't give me a good feeling. I saw a new sign for a karate dojo near the boys and girls club and emailed them.

★★★★★ — Kris, Nov 2018

My 10 yr old has been coming here for a year now. We love all of the Senseis. They are a special group of people dedicated to the children and work in education themselves.I am so grateful for them. My son has surprised me with how much he has learned and grown as a person in the time he has been learning karate.

★★★★★ — Jennifer, Dec 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 46 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Shorei Goju Karate Academy

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 Shorei Goju Karate Academy

1534 Stephanie Rd SE #109, Rio Rancho, NM87124

Get directions

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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.