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Shoshin Karate
5 ★★★★★ 6 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Albany, New York
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
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes (ages 4–12) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Weapons / kobudo traditional weapons (kobudo) classes — kata with the bo, sai, and nunchaku, taught with control and discipline
- Adult classes adult Karate classes — training built for grown-ups, from fitness and fundamentals to kumite (sparring) at your own pace
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule shoshinkarateny.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 518-458-2018
Hours
| Monday | 5–7:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 5–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 5–7:30 pm |
| Thursday | 4:30–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 6–7 pm |
| Saturday | 10–11 am |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My son has been attending classes at Shoshin for almost 4 years and it has been amazing to watch him learn and grow through martial arts training.”
“They emphasize a lot more than just self defense.”
Other martial arts here
“They emphasize a lot more than just self defense.”
What students say
“Our whole family trains here and the kids learn discipline, respect, confidence and body awareness.”
From the reviews
My son has been attending classes at Shoshin for almost 4 years and it has been amazing to watch him learn and grow through martial arts training. The instructors are amazing with the kids. They really put their hearts into everything they do. They emphasize a lot more than just self defense.
Our whole family trains here and the kids learn discipline, respect, confidence and body awareness. And they have so much fun! It’s a great community. We love it. My son says, “I love this place and I want to stay here a long long time!”
New to Karate? Start at Shoshin Karate
Shoshin Karate comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo — noted on their own site. 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 Shoshin Karate
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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