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York Shotokan Karate & Mixed Martial Arts
5 ★★★★★ 104 Google reviews · Karate dojo in York, Pennsylvania
Part of Shotokan Karate (JKA)
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 5–8) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- 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 yorkshotokan.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 717-757-2529
Hours
| Monday | 6–9 pm |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 6–9 pm |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 8–10:30 am |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“You, and your children, will have the opportunity to participate, learn, evolve, and grow with world class martial arts instruction, teaching, coaching, counseling, and mentoring.”
“The atmosphere at the school is always welcoming and positive, making it a great place for beginners and experienced practitioners alike.”
“The instructors have been great with the kids, and we like that there is a focus on self defense and safety.”
Other martial arts here
“The mix of karate and mixed martial arts training offers a well-rounded experience for students of all ages and skill levels.”
“The instructors have been great with the kids, and we like that there is a focus on self defense and safety.”
What students say
“The sensei is incredibly dedicated, he puts genuine care and effort into helping every student grow, both in technique and in confidence.”
“The atmosphere at the school is always welcoming and positive, making it a great place for beginners and experienced practitioners alike.”
“The atmosphere at the school is always welcoming and positive, making it a great place for beginners and experienced practitioners alike.”
“Tony instructs his students the right way - emphasizing not just physical techniques, but also the core values of martial arts: respect, perseverance, and self-control.”
“I started martial arts in 1973 and met Tony Abel about the same time, we competed together at local tournaments for years Tony is the real deal.”
“My son has been training at York Shotokan for a few months and it's great to see how much he is learning and progressing.”
From the reviews
I must start out by saying I have known Sensei Tony Abel for nearly 40 years and there is no other instructor that I would trust to teach my children then him and his school. Because I understand the phrase" you get what you earn" and that saying is a life saying and pairs well with martial arts as well.
Our son decided he wanted to learn martial arts and this was the first dojo we observed. He was immediately enchanted. We learned that it was actually run as a non-profit and the Sensei competed and won internationally.
If you are looking for a truly professional martial arts school and institution that embodies the guiding principles, tradition, and culture of: ‘Excellence’, ‘Achievement’, ‘Integrity’, ‘Honesty’, ‘Respect’, ‘Humility’, ‘Dignity’, ‘Responsibility’, ‘Camaraderie’, ‘Accountability’, ‘Courage’, ‘Resilience’,…
I’ve known Sensei Tony Abel all my adult life, and I can say without hesitation that he is the real deal when it comes to martial arts instruction. At York Shotokan Karate and Martial Arts, Tony teaches with a blend of discipline, respect, and encouragement.
New to Karate? Start at York Shotokan Karate & Mixed Martial Arts
York Shotokan Karate & Mixed Martial Arts 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.
Your first Karate class at York Shotokan Karate & Mixed Martial Arts
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.
