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Shotokan Karate Academy
4.3 ★★★★☆ 25 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Arlington, Texas
Part of Shotokan Karate (JKA)
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
- 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
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes (ages 4–12) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Adult classes adult Karate classes — training built for grown-ups, from fitness and fundamentals to kumite (sparring) at your own pace
- Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule uskda.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (817) 303-6441
Hours
| Monday | 6–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:30–7:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 6–8 PM |
| Thursday | 6–8 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 10:30 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My son is a black belt in five different styles of martial arts, so I’ve been exposed to many karate schools over the years.”
“His next four tournaments he won gold (Kata &Kumite).”
“His next four tournaments he won gold (Kata &Kumite).”
“if you want to learn effective self defense from a traditional martial arts establishment this is the place for you”
“this is a fantastic place to train for adults and children.”
Other martial arts here
“Most places in the area are mixed martial arts and this is true Shotokan Karate.”
“if you want to learn effective self defense from a traditional martial arts establishment this is the place for you”
What students say
“Great school led by great instructors.”
“The school, like some of the best, is family-owned; it has a positive family atmosphere and everyone is welcome.”
“As the father of a 6 year old girl I wanted to start her early with the basics of self protection.”
“My son has gained confidence, physical strength, responsibility, and respect for others.”
“He's now 7 years old and an accomplished green belt and has earned MANY tournament medals and trophies.”
“I’ve seen a lot of average karate schools and only a few that are absolutely wonderful—and Shotokan Karate Academy is one of those few.”
From the reviews
My son is a black belt in five different styles of martial arts, so I’ve been exposed to many karate schools over the years. When I finally decided to pursue taking karate later in life, finding the right school was really important to me and I looked at several before finding my karate home.
Shotokan Karate Academy is the best place in The state of Texas to train for Shotokan Karate. My son started training with Shihan Decena when he was only 7 years old. He started to learn karate and put it in to practice by going to tournaments. We moved to San Antonio due to a job change where he continue to train.
I used to train there but moved away due to work. I would return but I am now handicapped to the point that I cant participate. I agree with all of the kind reviews here. Decena Sensei is the best! He can do it as well as teach it. I saw him win tournaments when he was ill and had a fever.
Our family absolutely loves this place. My son has been training for almost three years. He looks forward to karate every day. We initially signed up for 6 months, but then extended it to a year. Family friendly atmosphere. He looks up to all his teachers. He's made good friends and it's like a second home.
New to Karate? Start at Shotokan Karate Academy
Shotokan Karate Academy 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 Shotokan 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.
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