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Washington Shotokan Karate Association

4.9 ★★★★★ 19 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Bellevue, Washington

Part of Shotokan Karate (JKA)

Karate dojo Affiliated Kids & teens

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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule washingtonshotokan.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 425-454-6633

Hours

Monday 12–1 pm, 4–8:30 pm
Tuesday 5:30–8:30 pm
Wednesday 7–8 am, 12–1 pm, 4–8:30 pm
Thursday 4:30–8:30 pm
Friday 12–1 pm, 5:30–7:30 pm
Saturday 9–11 am
Sunday 8–11 am

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 Washington Shotokan Karate Association, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 4 mentions

“Senpai Brett is very good at teaching younger kids.”

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🌀 Kata (Forms)

“- Sensei Maria is your go-to source for katas.”

All dojos that run kata (forms) →

🥊 Kumite / Sparring

“- Sensei Poe does a great deal of kamae-stance drills on Friday nights, which is helpful for freestyle kumite later on, which are essential for brown and above belts and testing.”

All dojos that run kumite / sparring →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“My friends and I had gotten jumped Halloween night and I made a decision to gain some self-defense skills.”

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 Washington Shotokan Karate Association — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🤼 Judo

“Glad I re-trained, because it had been a while, and my former style was different, and more fight/defense based, mixed in with judo and jujitsu, and less traditional.”

Other dojos that also teach judo →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“My friends and I had gotten jumped Halloween night and I made a decision to gain some self-defense skills.”

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 19 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 3 mentions

“^_^ All of the senpai and sensei are such a great inspiration.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 5 mentions

“- Sensei Poe does a great deal of kamae-stance drills on Friday nights, which is helpful for freestyle kumite later on, which are essential for brown and above belts and testing.”

clean, welcoming dojo 3 mentions

“Such a great environment with really engaging and energetic teachers who are passionate about their craft.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 3 mentions

“In addition, I love sharing in marital arts culture and all of the values and tenets of discipline feed my spirit.”

From the reviews

Very impressive. The facilities are spotless, the staff is very professional, and the students show great form. This is the place to go if you are seeking to learn a traditional martial art. Their black belts are true black belts. They have worked hard in perfecting their art to earn their achievement.

★★★★☆ — Chris, Sep 2013

I’ve been so happy and surprised to join the WSA; the quality of the instruction and dedication of teachers is phenomenal. The facilities are great. The students are very nice and very serious--so many of them look like characters in Street Fighter! ^_^ All of the senpai and sensei are such a great inspiration.

★★★★★ — Jengy, Sep 2018

Both my daughters are taking karate lessons here. Such a great environment with really engaging and energetic teachers who are passionate about their craft. Sempai Brett is great with the younger students. Would definitely recommend this Dojo.

★★★★★ — Laura, Dec 2024

Place is always clean, Karate Senseis are great, can't believe they're all volunteers. Our kids love this place.

★★★★★ — Jun, Nov 2020

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 19 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Washington Shotokan Karate Association

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 Washington Shotokan Karate Association

12754 NE Bel Red Rd, Bellevue, WA98005

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.