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T.O.Westlake Karate Studio
5 ★★★★★ 36 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Thousand Oaks, California
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 — 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 towestlakekarate.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 818-889-3333
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–2 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“We would recommend this studio to anyone interested in teaching their children discipline, respect for self and others, and also for learning how to defend themselves.”
“Not only is he learning the art of American Tang Soo Do and self defense but is also learning the importance of self discipline and self control.”
“Even for adults it’s a good reminder that we need to be humble and kind.”
“I’m constantly impressed by their immense patience and incredible work with all levels and needs.”
Other martial arts here
“Our son has been attending Tang Soo Do/karate and Jiu Jitsu at TO Westlake Karate studio for the past 2 years at a very reasonable cost.”
“Not only is he learning the art of American Tang Soo Do and self defense but is also learning the importance of self discipline and self control.”
What students say
“Grandmaster Ichikawa treats each of his students as his own, and the community he (and Great Grandmaster) built truly feels like family.”
“Great Grand Master Dennis and Grand Master Justin Ichikawa are the master minds in teaching the American Tang Soo Do form of karate.”
“Being a part of this studio is also helping my daughter build up her self confidence and is teaching her how to work hard for what she wants.”
“They help them grow in their martial arts skills as well as develop and practice other important life skills including respect, self control, discipline, and perseverance.”
From the reviews
Can’t speak enough of this studio! For parents looking for a place for children, this is the spot. They focus on building character, confidence, respect, self control. Learning martial arts is an added bonus. Even for adults it’s a good reminder that we need to be humble and kind.
My son attended TO Westlake Karate studio and we loved it so much back then, that when my youngest daughter wanted to begin classes, there was no question in where she would be going. We love it just as much now, if not more, than we did years ago! The instructors are just incredible.
TO/Westlake Karate studio is amazing! It is a place where our boys not only learn and train in Tang So Doo, but have become part of a family. Great Grandmaster Dennis Ichikawa and Grandmaster Justin Ichikawa go above and beyond for all of their students. They push our boys, but also make training fun.
I always wanted to learn martial arts and self defense so I could protect myself and my family. That’s when I found the best martial arts school and signed us all up! The kids karate classes were exciting, engaging and so much fun, all the while learning self control, discipline and curriculum.
New to Karate? Start at T.O.Westlake Karate Studio
T.O.Westlake Karate Studio 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 T.O.Westlake Karate Studio
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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