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Washington Karate Lakewood Dojo
4.9 ★★★★★ 37 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Lakewood, Washington
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 (ages 4–6) — 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 lakewooddojo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (253) 589-6924
Hours
| Monday | 3:30–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 3:30–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 3:30–8 PM |
| Thursday | 3:30–8 PM |
| Friday | 3:30–7 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30–11:45 AM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My child gets lesson from a world-renowned Karate champion - he is being taught the all-encompassing Karate discipline by a person who legit embodies all those things.”
“It's amazing to watch Sensei Sweigart train World Champions to beginners with the same compassion and dedication.”
Other martial arts here
What students say
“Washington Karate Lakewood Dojo also has Semphi’s that are excellent teachers who are capable of delivering very quality instruction.”
“It's amazing to watch Sensei Sweigart train World Champions to beginners with the same compassion and dedication.”
“What I have learned in 19 years and 4 children at this dojo is that this is the place where you want your family to learn Karate.”
“Sensei Sweigart's competition team members win National Championships every year and they continually win championships and medal in international competitions.”
“Fantastic traditional karate dojo, and arguably the best school in the Pacific Northwest.”
From the reviews
I started taking karate at the age of 40, after retiring from the Army. I love that I find camaraderie and healthy physical training that I haven’t had since retirement. The more I learn the more eager I am to learn more.
Amazing dojo!! Amazing students and families!! What I have learned in 19 years and 4 children at this dojo is that this is the place where you want your family to learn Karate. Sensei Sweigart is a gifted teacher, trainer, and coach. The sempai's are exceptional.
STOP LOOKING, THIS IS THE ONE! Okay, so I am one of those moms! I do a ton of research to make sure that what we as a family get involved with/in is the right fit. We have a child that is now five, and has been a part of the Washington Karate Lakewood Dojo since he was four.
My son started this dojo about 2 months ago and I could not be happier. This the place is wonderful. The teachers are amazing. All of the staff is wonderful. They treat you like family here. I feel so comfortable and they are so disciplined with their students. And everything is earned here. It is not given to you.
New to Karate? Start at Washington Karate Lakewood Dojo
Washington Karate Lakewood Dojo 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 Washington Karate Lakewood Dojo
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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