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Varasconi's School Of Self Defense Branch Of Hamzy's
5 ★★★★★ 21 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Bristol, Connecticut
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
- 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
- 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
- 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 varasconischool.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (860) 584-8183
Hours
| Monday | 6:30–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 5 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–7:30 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–7:30 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I wanted my kids to have something to do during the summer so signed up with a Groupon deal to see what self defense has to offer.”
“Each class has an extensive workout, learning a defensive technique and sparring.”
“Varasconi School of Self Defense, branch of Hamzy's LLC, has the absolute best program and leadership, for new and continuing martial artists that I have ever seen!”
Other martial arts here
“Varasconi School of Self Defense, branch of Hamzy's LLC, has the absolute best program and leadership, for new and continuing martial artists that I have ever seen!”
What students say
“The fellow students and black belt senseis are very welcoming and proved to be a great school to reinforce self discipline, mutual respect, and core family values.”
“The fellow students and black belt senseis are very welcoming and proved to be a great school to reinforce self discipline, mutual respect, and core family values.”
“I also want to say that it's a great place for a workout and learn great self defense techniques.”
“I went to the Karate tournament this past Sunday and what a well run, disciplined tournament.”
“The fellow students and black belt senseis are very welcoming and proved to be a great school to reinforce self discipline, mutual respect, and core family values.”
From the reviews
The oldest and most experienced martial arts school in Bristol. This is a great place to learn practical self defense, for all ages and ability levels.
Sensei Tom and Sensei Bob Varasconi provide training that absolutely makes for some of the best workouts I have ever taken part in! I am a former Division I college athlete and love a great physical challenge. Their classes provide just that..BUT...
I went to the Karate tournament this past Sunday and what a well run, disciplined tournament. It was all ages from the little ones to folks in their older years. It was all about teaching and the importance of discipline and the drive to keep pushing on no matter how hard it gets.
Two thumbs up for Sensei Tom Varasconi and Sensei Bob Varasconi. Great Self defense instructors and great people. I also want to say that it's a great place for a workout and learn great self defense techniques. What you learn from them at the school, helps you outside with self discipline. A very Great Place.
New to Karate? Start at Varasconi's School Of Self Defense Branch Of Hamzy's
Varasconi's School Of Self Defense Branch Of Hamzy's comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo — noted on their own site. 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 Varasconi's School Of Self Defense Branch Of Hamzy's
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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