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Watford School of Karate

4.8 ★★★★★ 11 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Aiken, South Carolina

Karate dojo Kids & teens

Plan your first class

  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Phone (803) 645-9536

The classes they run

Karate classes on the schedule at Watford School of Karate, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 4 mentions

“Sensei Andy Watford has made a tremendous difference in my son and daughters life by being firm and professional with them but still making his class fun for them.”

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Teens

“At this school when I was in my teens, was where I not only learned how to fight, but honor and respect as well.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“Now, as empty nester, I am thinking going to enroll in complete self defense for myself.”

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Other martial arts here

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

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“Now, as empty nester, I am thinking going to enroll in complete self defense for myself.”

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 11 Google reviews — in their own words.

builds confidence, discipline & respect 2 mentions

“At this school when I was in my teens, was where I not only learned how to fight, but honor and respect as well.”

From the reviews

At this school when I was in my teens, was where I not only learned how to fight, but honor and respect as well. Mr. Watford also taught me how to be a leader.

★★★★★ — James, Jan 2014

Sensei Andy Watford has made a tremendous difference in my son and daughters life by being firm and professional with them but still making his class fun for them. We look forward for much further training with him.

★★★★★ — Karl, Dec 2020

Started here many years ago with our child. Now, as empty nester, I am thinking going to enroll in complete self defense for myself. We had excellent experience and I am sure it will continue.

★★★★★ — Ga, Mar 2021

Very detailed learning experience my grandkids love it. Kids are safe and treated with respect

★★★★★ — Cindy, May 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 11 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Watford School of 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 Watford School of Karate

4280 Trolley Line Rd, Aiken, SC29801

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.