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U.S. Budokai Karate
5 ★★★★★ 63 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Clifton Park, New York
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 — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule usbudokaikarate.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 518-383-0484
Hours
| Monday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–1 pm |
| Sunday | 9 am–1 pm |
The classes they run
“I signed my children up 3 years ago because I wanted them to gain self confidence and learn discipline, but we have gained far more than I expected.”
“Both of my children started with US Budokai of Clifton Park as preschoolers in their Tiny Tigers program.”
“I have even participated in multiple Karate tournaments, and have had plenty of fun demonstrating my katas and sparring.”
“I have even participated in multiple Karate tournaments, and have had plenty of fun demonstrating my katas and sparring.”
“Life started picking up, I graduated high school and moved a good distance away from the dojo.”
“She has built self defense skills and her self esteem!”
Other martial arts here
“She has built self defense skills and her self esteem!”
What students say
“Kyoshi Sue and Sensei Michael are excellent teachers who know every kid by name and all of their strengths and weaknesses.”
“The staff is incredibly welcoming and great teachers, both for young kids and teens alike.”
“Budokai family for many reasons (I had a review where I focused on Zoom classes during Covid, but I want to amend that review now to reflect my experience in 2023).”
“Recently, I joined as well (something I was not planning), and I was struck with how quickly the assistant instructors introduced themselves and offered assistance.”
“If you're looking for a quality dojo that can teach you and your kids how to defend yourself, boost your self confidence, and stay physically fit, then this is the place for you.”
From the reviews
I'm happy with my decision to become part of the U.S. Budokai family for many reasons (I had a review where I focused on Zoom classes during Covid, but I want to amend that review now to reflect my experience in 2023).
From day one I have been challenged, encouraged, and tested to leave my comfort zone and rise to the next level. Greatest instructors and karate family!! I challenge you to join the Budokai community on a quest to be our best! You’ll never regret your decision!! 🥋
Amazing martial arts school- we previously tried Clifton Park Pai’s TKD and although the presentation was good my 9 year old boy grew tired of it quickly- it was too loud for him and not enough moving around and the classes were huge and the instructors were not as helpful by comparison.
The instructors are wonderful and personable. It’s amazing how they know everyone’s name. They know how to teach them and correct them in a very professional manner on their level Our granddaughter is very excited when she knows she is going.
New to Karate? Start at U.S. Budokai Karate
U.S. Budokai Karate 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 U.S. Budokai 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.
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