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Valley Karate

5 ★★★★★ 29 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Shelton, Connecticut

Karate dojo 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

  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — 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 valleykarate.org — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 203-924-2467

Hours

Monday 4–8 PM
Tuesday 5–8 PM
Wednesday 4–8 PM
Thursday 5–8 PM
Friday Closed
Saturday 9:30–11:30 AM
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 Valley Karate, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 16 mentions

“They’re great, especially with the kids and know how to teach discipline and respect alongside becoming a skilled martial artist.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“Helping them to be confident, disciplined and successful while they learn self defense.”

All dojos that run self-defense →

Other martial arts here

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

🛡️ Self-Defense

“Helping them to be confident, disciplined and successful while they learn 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 29 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 6 mentions

“Great instructors and a very friendly community!”

friendly, respectful dojo 6 mentions

“They are really family here and supportive of each other.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 2 mentions

“I like that it’s a small school with a lot of personal attention to my form.”

active competition / tournament team 2 mentions

“My daughters and I joined together and It has been awesome learning and competing in tournaments with them.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 12 mentions

“Tang Soo Do teaches the students patience, confidence, listening skills, integrity and much more, and I love seeing them improve with every class.”

From the reviews

As a teacher, I love watching the students grow. Tang Soo Do teaches the students patience, confidence, listening skills, integrity and much more, and I love seeing them improve with every class. This is my fourth year working for Valley Karate and not to be biased, but I could not recommend a better place!

★★★★★ — Megan, Feb 2022

We have had the privilege of watching students succeed at Valley Karate for over 20 years now. Both Masters Jim and Sarah Bergers and their highly skilled team provide an excellent environment for children to grow in confidence, self-control, discipline, and physical fitness.

★★★★★ — Michael, Oct 2025

In the beginning we were prepared for our daughter to say she doesn’t want to continue but thanks to amazing staff and Master Cuseo, they altogether just flipped the whole scenario 180 degrees. Now our daughter doesn’t want to miss a single session and is so much into the training.

★★★★★ — Zule, Nov 2023

We have been going for a couple of months now for my 9 year old boy and he fell in love with it immediately. The instructors are so patient and kind. The program is very rewarding for the children, they do an excellent job making sure the kids meet their goals.

★★★★★ — Elizabeth, Oct 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 29 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Valley 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.

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 Valley Karate

549 Howe Ave, Shelton, CT06484

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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.