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Shorin-Bushido Dojo
4.6 ★★★★★ 16 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Lakeland, Florida
Plan your first class
- Membership memberships around $40/mo — many dojos also offer a discounted first month and family plans, so ask about new-student rates
- 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 shorin-bushidodojo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (863) 944-1470
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 6–8 PM |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 6:45–8:45 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 8–10 AM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The dojo is a great environment to learn in, and Sensei Bonner is well seasoned in training students at all levels of experience.”
Other martial arts here
“Previously, I have studied Tang Soo Do, Shaolin Kenpo Kung Fu, and Hapkido (briefly!”
What students say
“Sensei Bonner is a kind, patient, and experienced teacher, imparting the instruction needed to encourage growth and reach one’s full potential.”
“Really great place to learn Aikido or karate the Sensei teaches both he's very welcoming and everyone there is kind and willing to help each other God bless”
“I started as a Ki Shin Kai Aikido student in 2010 and, after 18 months, decided to give Pearson-ha Shobiyoshi Shorin-Ryu Karate a try instead.”
From the reviews
I have been a student with Bonner Sensei at the Shorin-Bushido Dojo, hosted at the Kelly Recreation Center in Lakeland, for over 12 years. I started as a Ki Shin Kai Aikido student in 2010 and, after 18 months, decided to give Pearson-ha Shobiyoshi Shorin-Ryu Karate a try instead.
As an adult, it can be difficult and very humbling to learn a new skill, and I have really appreciated the encouragement and patience of everyone at Shorin-Bushido Dojo. I always look forward to our training sessions, and I love to sense of community that is so intentionally created and maintained.
I've been a student at Shorin-Bushido for a couple of years. Bonner Sensei is a wealth of knowledge and the environment is friendly. Just a great bunch of guys and gals to train with.
I have been practicing Aikido at Shorin-Bushido Dojo for a few years, now. Sensei Bonner has a wealth of experience in Aikido and Karate, and is an instructor for both arts. The dojo is a great environment to learn in, and Sensei Bonner is well seasoned in training students at all levels of experience.
New to Karate? Start at Shorin-Bushido Dojo
Shorin-Bushido Dojo comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo, going by their listing and students’ reviews. 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 Shorin-Bushido Dojo
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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