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Traditional Okinawan Karate of Wayne

5 ★★★★★ 63 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Wayne, New Jersey

Karate dojo Free trial Affiliated Kids & teens Competition team

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
  • 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
  • Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule tokarate.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 973-975-2726

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 5–9 pm
Wednesday Closed
Thursday 5–9 pm
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed
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 Traditional Okinawan Karate of Wayne, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 18 mentions

“My son is eager to participate, shows up ready to work, and is so proud of himself and his accomplishments so far, especially his first place trophy in his first tournament!”

All dojos that run kids karate →

Other martial arts here

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

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 63 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 8 mentions

“He is an exceptional martial arts instructor—patient and kind with his students, yet always pushing them to train with dedication and intensity.”

friendly, respectful dojo 8 mentions

“I highly recommend his new dojo if you are in the Wayne area and looking to learn more about karate or just looking for a new activity for you and your family.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 2 mentions

“He takes the time to show us how to do moves safely, and once we are good, we work on proper form.”

active competition / tournament team 2 mentions

“My son is eager to participate, shows up ready to work, and is so proud of himself and his accomplishments so far, especially his first place trophy in his first tournament!”

traditional style & affiliation 4 mentions

“Traditional Okinawan Karate has been a grounding influence in my son's life.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 9 mentions

“Our 6-year-old has gained so much confidence, focus, and discipline since starting, and he genuinely looks forward to every class.”

From the reviews

I can't recommend Traditional Okinawan Karate highly enough! From the moment I walked into the dojo, I was greeted with warmth, respect, and a true sense of community. Mr. McClafferty is an exceptional instructor with a deep passion for Okinawan Karate and a genuine commitment to his students' growth.

★★★★★ — David, Apr 2025

My 2 sons and I have been attending classes led by Mr McClafferty for a little more than 6 months now. He is a wonderful instructor, works well with the kids, and his lessons are always informative and fun!

★★★★★ — Kristen, Feb 2026

I have known Mr. McClafferty for 4 years. He is a great teacher, as he expresses and lives all the qualities of a teacher. He is patient, understanding, and works well with kids and adults alike! I highly recommend learning karate with him and getting your kids into it as well!

★★★★★ — Andreas, Apr 2025

Mr. McClafferty is an excellent instructor and is amazing with children. He is a patient and encouraging teacher and makes students feel motivated. Anyone lucky enough to learn from Mr. McClafferty will have an amazing experience!!

★★★★★ — Deirdre, Apr 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 63 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Traditional Okinawan Karate of Wayne

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 Traditional Okinawan Karate of Wayne

120 Lake Dr E, Wayne, NJ07470

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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.