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We Train Here - Karate & Self-Defense

4.9 ★★★★★ 27 Google reviews · Karate dojo in East Los Angeles, California

Karate dojo Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons

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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Phone +1 323-685-8399

Hours

Monday 4–9 pm
Tuesday 4–9 pm
Wednesday 4–9 pm
Thursday 4–9 pm
Friday 4–9 pm
Saturday 12–2 pm
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 We Train Here - Karate & Self-Defense, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 23 mentions

“The instructors are friendly, trained and so good with the kids and while class is going on they engage you in conversation and even let you watch TV.”

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🌱 Beginners 2 mentions

“I'm a beginner and they are great at modifying their classes so it fits all the participants' levels.”

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🌀 Kata (Forms)

“My son is a bit of a perfectionist and strives to perfect his techniques and Katas with the help and motivation of Master Angel, O-Sensei Michael, Instructor Edward and Jr.”

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👤 Private Lessons

“Personal training is fun and geared to practical motions and strikes.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense 3 mentions

“Not only is it awesome to learn self-defense, but it is also fun with lots of working out.”

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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 We Train Here - Karate & Self-Defense — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🐉 Kung Fu

“Wieghts, punching bag, black belts and kung fu.”

Other dojos that also teach kung fu →

🛡️ Self-Defense 3 mentions

“Not only is it awesome to learn self-defense, but it is also fun with lots of working out.”

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 27 Google reviews — in their own words.

friendly, respectful dojo 7 mentions

“The instructors are friendly, trained and so good with the kids and while class is going on they engage you in conversation and even let you watch TV.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 4 mentions

“My son is a bit of a perfectionist and strives to perfect his techniques and Katas with the help and motivation of Master Angel, O-Sensei Michael, Instructor Edward and Jr.”

great workout & fitness 3 mentions

“If you are looking to build discipline, confidence and get a great workout, this place is right for you.”

🧒 strong kids program 4 mentions

“The instructor are great with kids.”

clean, welcoming dojo 4 mentions

“A great environment to begin your classes in martial arts.”

💵 good value / fair pricing 7 mentions

“You have to kinda look for the place because it's on the second floor in the center but they are community and quality focused and definitely worth it.”

From the reviews

Karate has been a great addition to my kids’ lives. Before starting classes, my daughter was very timid, always doubting her abilities and strength but since starting at We Train Here, she has come out of her shell.

★★★★★ — Veronica, Jan 2019

I was recommended to We train here. My four year old absolutely loves it. He gets a great work out and he loves learning self defense. The instructors are awesome. My son really likes them so, I definitely recommend.

★★★★★ — Sonia, Jun 2019

I had tried various dojos and different martial arts classes before deciding to train at We Train Here. I take the 7 pm class for adults. It has been a great experience, even for someone like me, who has never had any experience in karate.

★★★★★ — Jocelyn, Jan 2019

So glad we found this place... My kids absolutely love it. They just started last week 06/2018 and it's already starting to make a difference. The instructors are very detailed and extremely patient. Highly recommend this location.

★★★★★ — Dunia, Jan 2019

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 27 reviews →

New to Karate? Start at We Train Here - Karate & Self-Defense

We Train Here - Karate & Self-Defense comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo, going by their listing and students’ reviews. 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.

Call about beginner classes: +1 323-685-8399

Your first Karate class at We Train Here - Karate & Self-Defense

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 We Train Here - Karate & Self-Defense

5161 Pomona Blvd #206, East Los Angeles, CA90022

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.