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Shotokan Karate Institute
4.5 ★★★★★ 6 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Albany, California
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
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule shotokan.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (510) 982-5382
Hours
| Monday | 6:15–8 PM |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 6:15–8 PM |
| Thursday | 5–8 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 10:30 AM–1:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
What students say
“This is a traditional school, emphasizing the basics as a solid foundation to build a lifetime of learning and developing your mind and body.”
“Have been practicing Shotokan Karate here since 1990.”
“Sensei Sharifi is an amazing instructor and is well respected internationally.”
From the reviews
Have been practicing Shotokan Karate here since 1990. Sensei Sharifi is an amazing instructor and is well respected internationally. He works with students of all ages 6 to 75+. He is the primary instructor for all classes.
Sensei Sharifi teaches you so much more than "just" karate. This is a traditional school, emphasizing the basics as a solid foundation to build a lifetime of learning and developing your mind and body.
New to Karate? Start at Shotokan Karate Institute
Shotokan Karate Institute comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo, going by their listing and students’ reviews. 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 Institute
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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