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Shorin ryu Karate School

5 ★★★★★ 18 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Part of Shorin-Ryu Karate

Karate dojo Affiliated Kids & teens

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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule grshorinryu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 616-577-0972

Hours

Monday 12–1 pm, 5–8 pm
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 12–1 pm, 5–7:30 pm
Thursday 5:30–7 pm
Friday 12–1 pm
Saturday 10–11:30 am
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 Shorin ryu Karate School, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🛡️ Self-Defense 3 mentions

“If you are looking for a MMA school or practical self-defense program, this is not the dojo for you.”

All dojos that run self-defense →

Other martial arts here

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

🏟️ MMA

“If you are looking for a MMA school or practical self-defense program, this is not the dojo for you.”

Other dojos that also teach mma →

🛡️ Self-Defense 3 mentions

“If you are looking for a MMA school or practical self-defense program, this is not the dojo for you.”

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 18 Google reviews — in their own words.

friendly, respectful dojo 6 mentions

“Rather you are trying to be a competitive fighter, a family looking for an extracurricular activity, or a young kid who wants to build themselves this is the dojo for you.”

traditional style & affiliation 12 mentions

“I've learned more about martial arts attending Shorinryu Karate School in one year than training elsewhere for eight years prior.”

💗 welcoming to women 3 mentions

“Ladies gotta come down here and check the place out.”

From the reviews

This place is fantastic for women. I started training here to just learn self-defense. I didn’t expect to be particularly good at it (I’m no longer very flexible or muscular), but I thought if I could at least fend off an attacker it would be worth the money. I was very surprised when I discovered how simple it is.

★★★★★ — Rhonda, Dec 2018

Shorin-ryu Karate School is a top quality dojo. The supervising Sensei is an 8th Dan with over 30 years’ experience, as well as being Yudansha in other styles. The primary instructor has over 25 years in various martial arts and takes the time to address the specific needs of the students.

★★★★★ — Don, Mar 2019

This is not your typical mini-mall martial arts school. This is traditional Okinawan Karate that builds you physically and mentally. It is a pathway towards peace as you prepare yourself for the unseen dangers of the world.

★★★★★ — Michael, Jun 2019

This is a welcoming dojo with exceptional teaching. I've learned more about martial arts attending Shorinryu Karate School in one year than training elsewhere for eight years prior. Training here, students are taught far beyond how to punch or kick; they study both the mind and body, and how the two work together.

★★★★★ — Evelyn, Jan 2019

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 18 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Shorin ryu Karate School

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 Shorin ryu Karate School

1420 Plainfield Ave NE 3rd floor, Grand Rapids, MI49505

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.