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Traditional Okinawan Karate of Oakland
5 ★★★★★ 67 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Oakland, New Jersey
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 (ages 5–16) — 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 tokarate.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 973-800-3806
Hours
| Monday | 5–9 pm |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 5–9 pm |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“If you and/or your kids are looking for a place to learn traditional Okinawan karate, learn self-defense, develop a strong body and mind in a healthy environment give Ms.”
“She takes the time to understand where each person is in their journey and meets them exactly where they are, whether they’re a complete beginner or a seasoned practitioner.”
“If you and/or your kids are looking for a place to learn traditional Okinawan karate, learn self-defense, develop a strong body and mind in a healthy environment give Ms.”
Other martial arts here
“If you and/or your kids are looking for a place to learn traditional Okinawan karate, learn self-defense, develop a strong body and mind in a healthy environment give Ms.”
What students say
“Touw is an excellent instructor who is patient and supportive of my young son who is only a few months into his karate practice.”
“She takes the time to understand where each person is in their journey and meets them exactly where they are, whether they’re a complete beginner or a seasoned practitioner.”
“Touw is an excellent instructor who is patient and supportive of my young son who is only a few months into his karate practice.”
“She is great with children and adults alike and is truly passionate about Isshinryu and Karate!”
“If you and/or your kids are looking for a place to learn traditional Okinawan karate, learn self-defense, develop a strong body and mind in a healthy environment give Ms.”
“She builds their confidence, instills discipline, and makes learning fun — all while maintaining a safe and encouraging environment.”
From the reviews
I have been training with Ms. Touw for over a year now. She is an amazing teacher who is very passionate about karate, and sharing her knowledge with her students. She is always finding new ways to teach her students and make classes fun and exciting for everyone of all ages.
I have trained withe Ms Touw the head instructor for 14 years she is an amazing instructor. She and the other instructors can engage both children and adults. Their focus of community and discipline on top of amazing self defense makes them the choice to go to.
I’ve had the privilege of training under Ms. Touw for four years, and I can say without hesitation that she is one of the most exceptional martial arts instructors I’ve ever encountered. What sets Ms.
My family goes this Dojo. It has been an amazingly positive experience. They have learned so much! Their confidence has grown as have their skills. I have taken a women’s defense class with the instructors and even had my co-workers join me.
New to Karate? Start at Traditional Okinawan Karate of Oakland
Traditional Okinawan Karate of Oakland comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo, going by their listing and students’ reviews. 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 Traditional Okinawan Karate of Oakland
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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