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Zen Martial Arts Center

5 ★★★★★ 35 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Sacramento, California

Karate dojo Kids & teens

Plan your first class

  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — 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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule zenmartial.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (916) 678-0565

Hours

Monday 3:30–8 PM
Tuesday 3:30–8 PM
Wednesday 3:30–8 PM
Thursday 3:30–8 PM
Friday Closed
Saturday 10 AM–12 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 Zen Martial Arts Center, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 32 mentions

“He's been on on top of everything from the very beginning and I feel good about my son's participation in Zoom classes and modified in person classes.”

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🥋 Adult Karate 2 mentions

“A couple months later, I enrolled myself in the adults class to learn how to properly defend myself in the right time.”

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🐉 Little Dragons

“Both my children have taken classes, from the "Tiny Tiger" level up to the juniors, and Mr.”

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Teens 3 mentions

“Oliver is outstanding and a fantastic mentor to many children, teens and even grown adults.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense

“Pros: Every class balances physical exertion, practical skills, contemplation, and moral instruction (or reminders, depending on age).”

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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 Zen Martial Arts Center — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

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 35 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 6 mentions

“Sensei is extremely patient with kids, especially with the naughty ones who eventually learns how to respect and behave in class.”

friendly, respectful dojo 6 mentions

“The distance learning at Zen Martial arts allowed us to be supportive parents rather than the teacher and tech support and focus on our jobs.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 6 mentions

“The lessons the kids take home not only focus on strengthening skills and defensive techniques, but also in mindful acts and community outreach.”

great workout & fitness 3 mentions

“It’s a great workout and a great way to learn something new.”

🧒 strong kids program 5 mentions

“My son's confidence has grown and he has learned skillsets that will help him beyond the dojo (self-discipline, gratitude, respect, etc.”

💵 good value / fair pricing 2 mentions

“Definitely worth the investment.”

From the reviews

I've been so happy to be part of the Zen Martial Arts community for 8 years. Both my children have taken classes, from the "Tiny Tiger" level up to the juniors, and Mr. Oliver is calm, patient, and communicative (even when both my kids are sometimes difficult to work with -- my older child is autistic).

★★★★★ — Kara, Jul 2020

Our family of 4 trains at Zen Martial and we can't recommend it highly enough. Pros: Every class balances physical exertion, practical skills, contemplation, and moral instruction (or reminders, depending on age). History is also a welcome frequent topic.

★★★★★ — Matthew, Mar 2016

There are not enough words to describe how outstanding this dojo is. Zen Martial Arts was recommended to me by a couple local moms when I reached out about suggestions to help my 5 year old daughter’s self-confidence issues, and it has been working wonders for her.

★★★★★ — Jessica, May 2024

I am so glad I chose to enroll my child. I have seen tremendous growth and maturity in my child just over the past year alone. Not only is he learning how to properly protect himself while channeling his energy towards something positive and essential — but I have also noticed a greater sense of emotional development,…

★★★★★ — Cherenna, Nov 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 35 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Zen Martial Arts Center

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 Zen Martial Arts Center

4819 J St, Sacramento, CA95819

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.