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The Karate Dojo
4.9 ★★★★★ 232 Google reviews · Karate dojo in West Columbia, South Carolina
Plan your first class
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — 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
- Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule thekaratedojo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 803-739-9494
Hours
| Monday | 11 am–1 pm, 3:30–7:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 11 am–1 pm, 3:30–7:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 11 am–1 pm, 3:30–7:30 pm |
| Thursday | 11 am–1 pm, 3:30–7:30 pm |
| Friday | 11 am–1 pm, 3:30–7:30 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I wish that my daughter and I had joined this awesome Dojo family much sooner as her confidence has excelled and she is eager to go EVERY day to learn and grow.”
“The Little Ninja and after-school program are amazing.”
“This dojo doesn’t just teach kicks, punches, and self-defense—it teaches respect, discipline, confidence, accountability, perseverance, and leadership.”
Other martial arts here
“This dojo doesn’t just teach kicks, punches, and self-defense—it teaches respect, discipline, confidence, accountability, perseverance, and leadership.”
What students say
“Sensei Brian has always been great for the community and our youth.”
“I wish that my daughter and I had joined this awesome Dojo family much sooner as her confidence has excelled and she is eager to go EVERY day to learn and grow.”
“They put the time and effort in bringing the best out of your children. You can see the love they have for their work so much so that it overflows onto your child.”
“We highly recommend The Karate Dojo to any parent looking for a place where their child can learn, grow, compete, and thrive!”
“It’s a clean, safe, and secure environment and whether you are an adult or child taking classes, you will feel welcome and challenged in all the right ways.”
“I wish that my daughter and I had joined this awesome Dojo family much sooner as her confidence has excelled and she is eager to go EVERY day to learn and grow.”
From the reviews
Amazing facility. He staff and people are friendly and welcoming. The owner/sensei Brian Pena is amazing. He genuinely cares for everyone that he teaches. Going to this Dojo will teach you more than karate. You will learn more things that will benefit you in life. He and his staff are passionate about what they do.
My son has had a great time at Karate Dojo over the last couple years. They offer a lot of great after school and summer programs in addition to their standard karate classes. Sensei Brian Pena and his staff are very serious about their work, and the result is excellence in everything that they do.
The Karate Dojo has been an absolute blessing to our family. My son is growing into a calm and respectful young man with the values of karate. The staff and families at the Dojo are awesome. The instructors are patient and kind and they are very knowledgeable and respectable.
Sensei Pena, Ms. Merchant, and the entire staff at The Karate Dojo has been a true blessing to my son and consider them family. They all pride themselves in teaching young children and adults to be confident, strong, independent, professional, and productive citizens.
Your first Karate class at The Karate Dojo
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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