Tanaka's Martial Arts Academy
About
Tanaka's Martial Arts Academy offers comprehensive training in MMA, kickboxing, and karate disciplines, led by a highly experienced team of instructors including founder Sensei K. Tanaka, a 9th degree black belt with 50 years of teaching experience in Anchorage. The academy emphasizes solid instruction with a focus on life skills and character development, operating in a no frills environment that prioritizes practical learning over hype. Classes are accessible to students ranging from ages 6 to 60+, with family friendly programming and monthly opportunities for current students to bring friends to beginner sessions.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members describe Tanaka's as a dojo that focuses on respect and self discipline while teaching control over mind and body through karate. They consistently praise Sensei Tanaka's dedication and experience, noting his personal engagement with every student in every class. Reviewers highlight how the training builds character, confidence, and life skills beyond just physical techniques, with many mentioning positive transformations in their perspectives. The welcoming atmosphere receives frequent mention, with students of all ages and fitness levels feeling supported by both instructors and fellow practitioners.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
dldobler
7 years ago
I followed my son and grandsons to Tanaka's in 2016, enrolled, and have hardly missed a session since. Well-run and accessible, from the beginning students are taught by Sensei Tanaka--chair of the USA Karate Technical Committee, trainer of judges and referees, internationally recognized, living and teaching here in Anchorage for 50 years. A cadre of experienced and mature senior instructors, all good teachers; students range from 6 to 60+; family friendly. Sensei Tanaka is engaged with every student in every class. No frills or hype, solid instruction with emphasis on life-skills and character.
Thomas Atkins
7 years ago
Tanaka's martial arts academy is a karate dojo that has been in alaska since 1969. It is a dojo that focuses on respect and self discipline. When you go to tanaka's you learn control over the mind and body, while also learning self defense. Sensei tanaka has a variety of classes for all ages. And if you are a student already he has a week where you can bring a friend to beginning classes every month. I strongly recommend coming to see for yourself, because I learned that karate is more than just a way to fight, or an art. But it's a way of life. A way of life that teaches others to bring a better part of themselves out. This man is trying to change this generation into a generation of do-ers. He has changed my perspective of life, and I guarantee he will change yours as well.
Jonathan Jacobs
4 years ago
So for the past month I decided to go and start practicing Karate over at Tanaka's Karate Dojo. You can tell that Tanaka Sensei loves his art with his dedication and experience. At 35 years of age, and being over weight and out of shape, there has been nothing but positivity from the Sensei, the Senpi and the other students. I love practicing there and I look forward to continuing my journey in learning Karate and getting in shape.
Leah Zettler
7 years ago
My son has been coming here for years. It has been a great experience. Sensi Tanaka has taught my son confidence, manners and so much more. Not only has it been good for my son it tends to be pretty entertaining sometimes for the parents, especially the little dragons class. My son has started school and I firmly believe that the things he has learned from Sensi Tanaka's karate classes has helped prepare him to be a helpful, nice and respectful student. It's not only for kids but it's great for adults too. Many of the classes are a good mix of adults and kids. I highly recommend.
Corey Green
7 years ago
I have been a student and dojo owner under Sensei Tanaka for over 20 years. I have trained in martial arts for 33 years. The more I trained in karate with Sensei Tanaka, the more I realized how great of a teacher and mentor he was. He is one of the highest black belts in the world as well as one of the best. Alaska is very fortunate to have him. You will learn much more than Karate at Tanakas Martial Arts Academy. You will learn good manners, respect, self discipline which unlock your keys to a successful life. Building good character is what karate is all about! Thank you Sensei Tanaka for all that you have done for me and thousands of others!
Contact
2701 Fairbanks St STE 205, Anchorage, AK 99503, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 3:00 – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 3:00 – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 3:00 – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 3:00 – 9:00 PM
Friday: 3:00 – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 12:15 – 5:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
Shihan Dai B. Boese
Instructor
3rd Degree Black Belt
Sensei K. Tanaka
Founder & Chief Instructor
9th Degree Black Belt (Nihon Karate-Do Kenwa Kai, Hodo Ryu Kobudo), 7th Dan (WKF)
Founder teaching since 1969. Chairman of USA Karate Technical Committee, world-class referee and instructor with over 56 years experience.
Senpai M. Boese
Instructor
2nd Degree Black Belt
Shihan L. Carmichael
Instructor
5th Degree Black Belt
Senpai S. Sanford
Instructor
2nd Degree Black Belt
Senpai S. McDaniel
Instructor
2nd Degree Black Belt
Senpai E. Holmquist
Instructor
2nd Degree Black Belt
Shihan C. Hodgin
Instructor
6th Degree Black Belt
Shihan Dai V. Bradford
Instructor
3rd Degree Black Belt
Senpai A. Sanders
Instructor
2nd Degree Black Belt
Shihan C. Tanaka
Instructor
5th Degree Black Belt
Senpai M. Nees
Instructor
2nd Degree Black Belt
Senpai T. Tanaka
Instructor
2nd Degree Black Belt