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Shotokan Karate Leadership School
4.8 ★★★★★ 64 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Santa Rosa, 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
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — 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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule askaboutkarate.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 707-575-1681
Hours
| Monday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–1 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Sensi Callahan and everyone that takes part of Shotokan leadership school has been exceptional when it comes to helping my sons confidence grow and his karate skills improve.”
Other martial arts here
What students say
“The Sensei’s are very good with their patient and effective instructions.”
“They are all very welcoming and do a great job at making sure that both parents and students know the curriculum.”
“So, attending classes virtually has helped us in continuing learning new karate techniques and keeping our attendance intact.”
“Sensi Callahan and everyone that takes part of Shotokan leadership school has been exceptional when it comes to helping my sons confidence grow and his karate skills improve.”
“Sensi Callahan and everyone that takes part of Shotokan leadership school has been exceptional when it comes to helping my sons confidence grow and his karate skills improve.”
“Sensi Callahan and everyone that takes part of Shotokan leadership school has been exceptional when it comes to helping my sons confidence grow and his karate skills improve.”
From the reviews
My son acted out at school and daycare so much it was problematic. We needed to find a positive outlet for his energy as well as something that would build his character. My wife suggested karate so we looked around and found Shotokan.
My family and I love training at Shotokan Leadership School. At first, we enrolled our 4 year old son but after a year, my husband and and I and our 4 year old daughter enrolled too! Now our son is 6 and almost a purple belt and has become so much more disciplined!!
I have a background in martial arts, so when looking for the right Karate school for my son, I was very pleased & grateful to have found Shotokan Karate Leadership School which resembled the style I practiced in the past with Japanese culture & training.
SKLS, is such an amazing karate school. Sensei Callahan and his team have put so much work into make a program that empowers not only the child to be the best version of themselves but also empowers parents to be able to communicate with their little ones.
New to Karate? Start at Shotokan Karate Leadership School
Shotokan Karate Leadership School 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 Leadership School
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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