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Zen Budo - Mizukagami Dojo (Kyokushin Karate)
5 ★★★★★ 15 Google reviews · Karate dojo in St Ann, Missouri
Part of Kyokushin Karate
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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule miyamotokarate.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 314-320-6064
Hours
| Monday | 6–7:30 pm |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 6–7:30 pm |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Whether you’re a total beginner or more experienced, this is a space where you can grow, learn, and challenge yourself at your own pace — without ever feeling out of place.”
“The katas are very beautiful and I particularly like this style of fighting.”
Other martial arts here
“She brings her experience from kickboxing into the lessons so we have very in depth lessons that help in all areas of karate.”
“I have tried to train in Kyokushin since I started doing MMA in 2006.”
What students say
“Second, Sensei is extremely knowledgeable in multiple fields, not just karate.”
“Whether you’re a total beginner or more experienced, this is a space where you can grow, learn, and challenge yourself at your own pace — without ever feeling out of place.”
“Sensei is very knowledgeable, friendly, patient, and very compassionate!”
“After eight years of being out, I decided to join here and learn Kyokushin Karate because I’ve always been interested in it.”
“It's very spacious, so we have plenty of area to move around in.”
“I’ve grown not just in skill, but in confidence, focus, and strength since joining.”
From the reviews
Full contact karate isn't well known in the area. That being said, Mizukagami Dojo is the place to learn more about it. Sophia Sensei is a knowledgeable and skilled instructor! She has a wide variety of experience, and will help you with your goals, be it getting back into shape or learning to defend yourself.
I highly recommend training at this dojo! I had no experience in martial arts before joining but was welcomed and have enjoyed developing my skills. Sensei Sophia is kind, encouraging, skilled, and a great teacher. I’m very grateful to be able to learn karate here!
I can't recommend this dojo or Sensei enough! First, everyone is very kind. I have met so many amazing people here. We are all family to each other. Second, Sensei is extremely knowledgeable in multiple fields, not just karate.
The dojo is brand new, spacious, and well equipped. Sensei Sophia Lui is a very skilled teacher. If you're not familiar with kyokushin, it is a full contact karate. It is all about self improvement and discipline.
New to Karate? Start at Zen Budo - Mizukagami Dojo (Kyokushin Karate)
Zen Budo - Mizukagami Dojo (Kyokushin Karate) 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 Zen Budo - Mizukagami Dojo (Kyokushin 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.
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