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Zen Dojos Martial Arts Academy
5 ★★★★★ 16 Google reviews · Karate dojo in San Juan Capistrano, 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
- 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
- Women's classes dedicated women's Karate classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- 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 zendojos.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 714-200-6619
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 9 am–6 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–12 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–12 pm |
The classes they run
“Everyday my kids have something to look forward to with their virtual classes.”
“Learning self defence is both empowering, and builds self esteem.”
Other martial arts here
“Zen dojos is a great place to train, I started training in their krav maga 6 months ago and it's been an amazing experience.”
What students say
“This is an amazing dojo with great instructors who help every student develop and grow their martial arts skills as well as general life skills.”
“Not only does it give them something to do but Sensei Marco teaches the kids lessons in; self respect, the importance of family, and having a good time learning karate!”
“Not only does it give them something to do but Sensei Marco teaches the kids lessons in; self respect, the importance of family, and having a good time learning karate!”
From the reviews
Zen Dojos is a great place to train for all ages. The instructors here have many years of experience.They are helpful, professional, personable and promote a safe learning environment. If you have little or no backround in martial arts, they have excellant begainer classes for youths and adults as well.
This is an amazing dojo with great instructors who help every student develop and grow their martial arts skills as well as general life skills. We moved here a little over a year ago and interviewed several dojos before deciding on Zen Dojos.
Zen Dojos has been a blessing during this whole Covid-19 stay at home order. Everyday my kids have something to look forward to with their virtual classes. Not only that, but it feels like the perfect break in their day to help them wind down.
Zen dojos is a great place to train, I started training in their krav maga 6 months ago and it's been an amazing experience. Its really boosted my confidence and it's given me something to look forward to during this pandemic, they offer online classes too so I didnt have to stop training during the shut down.
New to Karate? Start at Zen Dojos Martial Arts Academy
Zen Dojos Martial Arts Academy comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo — noted on their own site. 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 Dojos Martial Arts Academy
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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Shoshin Karate-Do International
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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
