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
Todaysee hours ·
Website & scheduleportlandsk.com — book classes and see the live schedule
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 Shorinji Kempo - Portland / East Portland Branch, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.
Karate dojos are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else students mention training under the same roof at Shorinji Kempo - Portland / East Portland Branch — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.
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 4 Google reviews — in their own words.
⭐strong technique, kata & fundamentals4 mentions
⭐traditional style & affiliation5 mentions
Your first Karate class at Shorinji Kempo - Portland / East Portland Branch
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 Shorinji Kempo - Portland / East Portland Branch
Karate dojoBeginners welcomeKids & teensPrivate lessonsCompetition teamAffiliatedexpert instruction from a great senseigreat workout & fitnessactive competition / tournament team
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.
