Karate Classes in Portland, OR
Portland has 6 Karate dojos — including 2 beginner-friendly and 3 with kids' classes. Every listing is ranked by what members say (Google rating weighted by review count) and shows live open-now hours and the classes each dojo runs, so you can find your dojo and book your first class. All ages and levels welcome — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start.
No Limit Pro karate
4.6 ★★★★★ 20 reviews
Tae Kwon Karate Center
5 ★★★★★ 10 reviews
Pacific Renbukai Karate Official Japanese Dojo, USA KARATE
5 ★★★★★ 7 reviews
Shotokan Karate of America - Portland, Oregon dojo
4.5 ★★★★★ 8 reviews
Shorinji Kempo - Portland / East Portland Branch
5 ★★★★★ 4 reviews
Good to know in Portland
For a recognized style organization or franchise (think Shotokan/JKA, Kyokushin, Tiger Schulmann's, Villari's), members point to Pacific Renbukai Karate Official Japanese Dojo, USA KARATE, Shotokan Karate of America - Portland, Oregon dojo and Shorinji Kempo - Portland / East Portland Branch.
New to karate?
These dojos are called out by members as welcoming to beginners — go at your own pace, ask questions, and know that sparring (kumite) builds up slowly and stays light and supervised. Everyone in the room started at white belt.
- Pacific Renbukai Karate Official Japanese Dojo, USA KARATE ★★★★★ 5 (7)
- Shotokan Karate of America - Portland, Oregon dojo ★★★★★ 4.5 (8)
Kids & teen karate in Portland
These dojos run kids' or youth classes — supervised, confidence-building, and focused on discipline, respect, and self-defense. Check each dojo's schedule for age groups and times.
- No Limit Pro karate ★★★★★ 4.6 (20)
- Tae Kwon Karate Center ★★★★★ 5 (10)
- Pacific Renbukai Karate Official Japanese Dojo, USA KARATE ★★★★★ 5 (7)
Karate in Portland: quick answers
- How much does karate cost a month in Portland?
- A few Portland dojos list a membership around $15/mo, but most don't post rates online. Ask about a free trial and check the dojo's schedule for current prices — see our cost guide for typical ranges.
- Do any Portland dojos offer a free trial or free first class?
- None of the Portland dojos list a free trial in our data, but many offer a free or discounted first class even when it isn't posted — it's always worth calling to ask.
- I'm a total beginner — can I start karate in Portland?
- Yes. Karate welcomes complete beginners, and you don't need to be fit or have any experience first — the training gets you in shape. 2 Portland dojos are highlighted by members as beginner-friendly. Sparring (kumite) is introduced gradually, kept light and supervised, and a good dojo never pressures newcomers — you learn the basics, stances, and forms at your own pace, starting at white belt.
- Are there kids' karate classes in Portland?
- Yes — 3 Portland dojos run kids' or youth karate, with some classes starting as young as age 5. Youth programs focus on confidence, discipline, respect, and fun in a supervised setting; check each dojo's schedule for age groups and times.