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United Studios of Self Defense Encinitas
5 ★★★★★ 28 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Encinitas, California
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 4–80) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- 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
- Weapons / kobudo traditional weapons (kobudo) classes — kata with the bo, sai, and nunchaku, taught with control and discipline
- 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 encinitaskempo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 760-943-9884
Hours
| Monday | 3–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 3–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 3–7 pm |
| Thursday | 3–8 pm |
| Friday | 3–6 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–1 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I studied under Master Joyner 20 years ago and now my daughter is one of his students and she loves coming here.”
“Another words, if you’re a hands on parent like I am jump into action and do private lessons with your child.”
“Master Joyner is an excellent instructor and provides fantastic self-defense technique as well as discipline that’s applicable for all ages in the real world.”
Other martial arts here
“Master Joyner is a skilled teacher with the highest level of knowledge and skill in the Chinese Art of Shaolin Kempo.”
“Master Joyner is an excellent instructor and provides fantastic self-defense technique as well as discipline that’s applicable for all ages in the real world.”
What students say
“Master Joyner is an excellent instructor and provides fantastic self-defense technique as well as discipline that’s applicable for all ages in the real world.”
“Master J is great and he teaches students the value of being responsible, accountable and respectful.”
“I studied under Master Joyner 20 years ago and now my daughter is one of his students and she loves coming here.”
“What we love most is how they seamlessly blend traditional karate with real-world self-defense skills that go beyond the dojo.”
“Master Joyner is an excellent instructor and provides fantastic self-defense technique as well as discipline that’s applicable for all ages in the real world.”
From the reviews
I loved to surf and play golf, but at age 57, I found it more challenging to maintain my level of play. I needed a way to regain some flexibility and strength. Finding Master Joyner was a blessing not only for my physical activity but also for my general physical and mental health.
Master Joyner has been an incredible influence for our child’s development, discipline, and mindset. As an instructor he brings a great balance of fun, love and discipline to the environment for kids of all ages.
I have been training with master J since i was 10 years old. Whether he's training children or adults he is tough but kind. Karate has been a great tool for my mental and physical health. Master J is an exceptional human being and an amazing karate teacher.
Both our son and daughter were taught by Master Joyner. Now our grandson is training with him. Much more than Martial Arts, Craig builds character, compassion and confidence in each of his students. Being a part of Master Joyner's dojo these last 25 years has been one of the best decisions we've made as parents!
New to Karate? Start at United Studios of Self Defense Encinitas
United Studios of Self Defense Encinitas 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 United Studios of Self Defense Encinitas
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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