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Shotokan Karate Center International

5 ★★★★★ 16 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Rapid City, South Dakota

Part of Shotokan Karate (JKA)

Karate dojo Affiliated Kids & teens Competition team

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
  • Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule skcsd.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 605-877-1527

Hours

Monday 5–6:30 pm
Tuesday 5–6:30 pm
Wednesday Closed
Thursday 5–6:30 pm
Friday 5–6:30 pm
Saturday Closed
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 Shotokan Karate Center International, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 3 mentions

“My children and I were extremely fortunate to be able to train here while living in RC.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🥊 Kumite / Sparring 2 mentions

“I contacted them and was invited to come to the monthly Special Kihon/Kumite class.”

All dojos that run kumite / sparring →

What students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 16 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 2 mentions

“Sensei Mazhari has dedicated his entire life to mastering the art of Karate.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 3 mentions

“While the training is physically and mentally demanding, all of the instructors have been welcoming and eager to help myself and the others learn.”

friendly, respectful dojo 5 mentions

“While the training is physically and mentally demanding, all of the instructors have been welcoming and eager to help myself and the others learn.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 5 mentions

“Sensei’s strong focus on the fundamentals, the breadth of his training methods, and the depth of his understanding of the art speak to his exceptional background.”

active competition / tournament team 3 mentions

“I contacted them and was invited to come to the monthly Special Kihon/Kumite class.”

traditional style & affiliation 19 mentions

“I previously practiced Shotokan at a martial arts club in college, and I was looking to get back into training after falling out of it for several years.”

From the reviews

It has been twenty-four years since I found my karate master, Mazhari Sensei and started training at Shotokan Karate Center. Over the years, I have participated in many training sessions offered by other world known instructors and can confidently say that there is no other karate training, as intense, engaging, or…

★★★★★ — Parastou, Jul 2017

I trained under Sensei Mazhari in Virginia for more than 17 years before Sensei moved his dojo to South Dakota and I had to return to Japan. My experience training with Sensei Mazhari has been life-changing. As a Japanese person with a second Dan in Kendo, I had always wanted to learn Karate.

★★★★★ — Keiko, Aug 2024

My children and I were extremely fortunate to be able to train here while living in RC. I was looking for a highly disciplined, traditional dojo and SKC is exactly that. All of the senseis set high expectations which makes it that much more rewarding when earning your next belt or simply receiving praise in class.

★★★★★ — Jess, Feb 2022

Mazhari Sensei's school is for the true seeker of traditional karate training- there is truly no other school like it. Training is wonderfully intense and the standard, exceptionally high.

★★★★★ — Golnesa, Jun 2017

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 16 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Shotokan Karate Center International

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 Shotokan Karate Center International

629 Kansas City St, Rapid City, SD57701

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.