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Zanshin Dojo
5 ★★★★★ 19 Google reviews · Karate dojo in San Francisco, California
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
- Free trial / intro class most dojos welcome new students with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Membership memberships around $99/mo — many dojos also offer a discounted first month and family plans, so ask about new-student rates
- 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 3–12) — 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 ·
- Website & schedule sfgoju.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 415-221-5425
Hours
| Monday | 9 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–7:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | 10–11:30 AM |
The classes they run
“Kids programs, adult classes, parties and special events, and numerous types of classss keep the place vibrant and always fresh.”
“Zanshin is more community and family than business, and has a warmth and welcoming spirit that embraces the beginner - at any age and any background.”
“Each class, you will not only benefit from Sensei's tremendous all-levels instruction but will also receive 1-on-1 mentoring from black belts in the class.”
“Kids programs, adult classes, parties and special events, and numerous types of classss keep the place vibrant and always fresh.”
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What students say
“The Head Instructor, Sensei Mirko Buchwald is patient, welcoming, fun, warm, and *very* skilled.”
“Zanshin is more community and family than business, and has a warmth and welcoming spirit that embraces the beginner - at any age and any background.”
“Zanshin is more community and family than business, and has a warmth and welcoming spirit that embraces the beginner - at any age and any background.”
“Kids programs, adult classes, parties and special events, and numerous types of classss keep the place vibrant and always fresh.”
“The karate is authentic, the community is welcoming and supportive, and the benefits of training show up very quickly and last for a long time!”
“Sensei does a great job working with several young children all having varied ability to focus.”
From the reviews
Zanshin is more community and family than business, and has a warmth and welcoming spirit that embraces the beginner - at any age and any background. From the moment one arrives they are greeted by others from the dojo who are helpful, encouraging and nice.
I highly recommend Zanshin Dojo for any newcomers looking to get into martial arts! Sensi Mirko has built an incredibly welcoming community at the Dojo, and will make you feel at home right away. You have 1 week to try it out for free, and see how you like it.
I've trained in various martial arts styles over the last 17 years, both in the US and in Japan. Zanshin Dojo is one of the best martial arts schools I've come across in all of my training and travels. Mirko Sensei has an incredible command of Goju Ryu Karate and is also a fantastic teacher.
My daughter is in the Little Ninjas classes. Sensei does a great job working with several young children all having varied ability to focus. He is very patient and able to keep things moving despite the kids’ relentless distractions.
New to Karate? Start at Zanshin Dojo
Zanshin Dojo 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 Zanshin 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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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site