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The Empty Hand Family Karate Studio
5 ★★★★★ 5 Google reviews · Karate dojo in West Chester, Pennsylvania
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 (ages 6–17) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Private lessons private, one-on-one instruction available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule theemptyhand.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (484) 653-7597
Hours
| Monday | 6:15–8:15 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:15–8:15 PM |
| Wednesday | 5–7:45 PM |
| Thursday | 6:15–7:45 PM |
| Friday | 6:15–7:45 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–12:45 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The owner and assistants are all fantastic instructors; knowledgeable, skilled and patient- especially with kids.”
“It's a relatively small dojo but that just adds to our experience with more one-on-one teaching.”
What students say
“It is impossible to overstate how fortunate we are that the Elliott family opens its doors to the community for instruction.”
From the reviews
My two sons have been training with Sensi Elliott at The Empty Hand Karate for over 5 years. All the instructors are terrific with my boys and are able to motivate and encourage all different types of personalities.
My eleven year old son and I have trained together at The Empty Hand and its predecessor incarnation at the Y since 2009. The owner and assistants are all fantastic instructors; knowledgeable, skilled and patient- especially with kids.
It is impossible to overstate how fortunate we are that the Elliott family opens its doors to the community for instruction. The students and instructors here are admired throughout the world for their excellence in the art of Shotokan Karate.
Local and family friendly. Sensei Elliott and all of the instructors are so good with children of all ages and adults. Don't be fooled by the modest dojo and good price: this studio produces national and international champs year after year. Couldn't have picked a better place for my young son.
New to Karate? Start at The Empty Hand Family Karate Studio
The Empty Hand Family 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 The Empty Hand Family 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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