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Toma Dojo - True Karate

5 ★★★★★ 23 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Matthews, North Carolina

Karate dojo Affiliated Kids & teens

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.

Established martial arts studio offering all-level classes for adults, kids & families.

Plan your first class

  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule facebook.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 704-771-6851

Hours

Monday 5:15–10 pm
Tuesday 5:15–10 pm
Wednesday 5:15–10 pm
Thursday 5:15–10 pm
Friday 5:15–9 pm
Saturday 9 am–1 pm
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, belt tests, and seminars — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

Karate classes on the schedule at Toma Dojo - True Karate, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 11 mentions

“We are healthier, more confident and most important to me, karate has given me and my daughters a way to relate and spend time together.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“If you want to learn authentic okinawan karate, improve your well being and gain valuable knowledge of self defense this is the place to be.”

All dojos that run self-defense →

Other martial arts here

Karate dojos are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else students mention training under the same roof at Toma Dojo - True Karate — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense

“If you want to learn authentic okinawan karate, improve your well being and gain valuable knowledge of self defense this is the place to be.”

Other dojos that also teach self-defense →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the dojo's own info — they show what students have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want taekwondo, jiu-jitsu, or kickboxing alongside your Karate, confirm the current schedule with the dojo.

What students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 23 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 7 mentions

“Sensei Philip is a great teacher and encourages everyone to be thier best!”

friendly, respectful dojo 4 mentions

“If you are looking for a great environment, a wonderful teacher, and a family this is the place to bring your child.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 2 mentions

“I have taken several forms of martial arts at various locations and this is by far my favorite.”

great workout & fitness 2 mentions

“There are no short cuts here, what you earn will be worth every drop of sweat.”

🧒 strong kids program 2 mentions

“My child has shown significant improvement in focus and self-assurance, while as an adult, I have found it to be an ideal place for managing stress and personal growth.”

traditional style & affiliation 6 mentions

“If you want to learn authentic okinawan karate, improve your well being and gain valuable knowledge of self defense this is the place to be.”

From the reviews

The best martial arts location in all of Charlotte, Sensei Philip is a fantastic instructor and incredibly effective at explaining the meaning behind the techniques we are learning and the proper way to use them.

★★★★★ — Ryan, Dec 2020

My son was interested in karate for a very long time. Now at his age we felt he was ready to begin. The sensei here is absolutely amazing. Its great to bring your child to a place where you can see someone who has so much passion in what he teaches along with how much he cares about his students.

★★★★★ — Ashley, Feb 2021

Great karate training. Sensei Philip motivates students to push themselves, do their very best, and increase their skill level. He is always positive and encouraging for all age students. I was skeptical and concerned that Eastern religion / philosophy might be taught with the karate.

★★★★★ — Donna, Apr 2016

Toma Dojo is the best dojo to practice traditional Karate that I have ever found. I have taken several forms of martial arts at various locations and this is by far my favorite. Sensei Phillip is very easy going but pushes you past what you thought you were capable of.

★★★★★ — Michael, Feb 2015

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 23 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Toma Dojo - True Karate

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.

Karate is a contact sport. Ease in, train within your limits, listen to your instructors, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Toma Dojo - True Karate

2717 Old Monroe Rd, Matthews, NC28104

Get directions

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this dojo? Claim your listing — it's free.