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Uechi ryu Karate - Chinese/Okinawan self defense

5 ★★★★★ 10 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Part of Uechi-Ryu Karate

Karate dojo Affiliated Beginners welcome Private lessons

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

  • Membership memberships around $65/mo — many dojos also offer a discounted first month and family plans, so ask about new-student rates
  • Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
  • 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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule uechi-ryunm.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (505) 227-5147

Hours

Monday 6:30–8 PM
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday Closed
Thursday 6:30–8 PM
Friday Closed
Saturday 3–4:30 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 Uechi ryu Karate - Chinese/Okinawan self defense, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌱 Beginners 3 mentions

“This school can take one from beginner to as far as one wants to take it.”

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🌀 Kata (Forms) 3 mentions

“The curriculum covers every aspect of the art from: kata, bunkai, sparring, two and sometimes multiple person drills, conditioning, and most importantly, the health benefits.”

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🥊 Kumite / Sparring 2 mentions

“The curriculum covers every aspect of the art from: kata, bunkai, sparring, two and sometimes multiple person drills, conditioning, and most importantly, the health benefits.”

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💪 Women's Karate

“And that's the most important for me as a woman.”

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👤 Private Lessons 2 mentions

“He has the skills to back it up, He's the best martial arts instructor I've ever trained with The class sizes small, which allows for alot of one on one instructions.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense 3 mentions

“I trained in different style of karate in the past, but have to admit that Uechi-ryu is the most effective when it comes to real self defense.”

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Other martial arts here

Karate dojos are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else students mention training under the same roof at Uechi ryu Karate - Chinese/Okinawan self defense — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense 3 mentions

“I trained in different style of karate in the past, but have to admit that Uechi-ryu is the most effective when it comes to real self defense.”

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 10 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 6 mentions

“The instructor, Steve Vosa, is an excellent teacher with decades of experience in Uechi Ryu karate.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 4 mentions

“Patient, skilled, and deeply knowledgeable, he creates a disciplined yet welcoming dojo.”

friendly, respectful dojo 6 mentions

“The atmosphere in the dojo is very respectful and professional, but also friendly and just a great place to train.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 6 mentions

“The curriculum covers every aspect of the art from: kata, bunkai, sparring, two and sometimes multiple person drills, conditioning, and most importantly, the health benefits.”

traditional style & affiliation 14 mentions

“I have been interested in martial arts for years and had been looking around at different schools when I decided to give New Mexico Uechi Ryu a try.”

clean, welcoming dojo 3 mentions

“The dojo is clean, spacious, and a comfortable training environment.”

From the reviews

I've been training here for almost 3 years now. I wouldn't have stayed so long if it wasn't such a great experience over all. The dojo itself is fantastic. It's very spacious with a large matted area and a wood floor. Multiple dressing rooms and multiple bathrooms.

★★★★★ — Mzy, Dec 2018

If you are looking to learn a traditional martial art in Albuquerque, this is the place. Sensei Vosa has studied Uechi Ryu for approximately forty years. It's rare when you find a teacher with not only an in-depth understanding of the subject matter, but one who can also articulate the finer nuances.

★★★★★ — Harry, Jan 2019

Honestly couldn't ask for better training or instructor. If you are looking for a traditional martial art that has real world (read not sport) applications this is the place place you. The dojo is awesome with a wood floor and matted areas.

★★★★★ — Dave, Jun 2021

I have been interested in martial arts for years and had been looking around at different schools when I decided to give New Mexico Uechi Ryu a try. I've been studying this style for around a month and a half and love it.

★★★★★ — Isaiah, Dec 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 10 reviews →

New to Karate? Start at Uechi ryu Karate - Chinese/Okinawan self defense

Uechi ryu Karate - Chinese/Okinawan self defense 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first Karate class at Uechi ryu Karate - Chinese/Okinawan self defense

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 Uechi ryu Karate - Chinese/Okinawan self defense

10500 Candelaria Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM87112

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.