About
South Bay Shotokan offers authentic Shotokan Karate-Do training with deep connections to traditional Japanese martial arts. As part of the Shotokan Karate of America organization founded in 1955, this dojo maintains strong ties to its Eastern origins and even includes members with direct connections to founder Tsutomu Ohshima. The training focuses on self discipline, self defense, and self control through traditional karate practices. Members appreciate the legitimate approach that avoids being a McDojo, with no color belt system meaning students may remain white belts for their first couple of years while building proper foundations.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members describe South Bay Shotokan as offering authentic traditional Japanese Shotokan Karate-Do with deep connections to the organization's founder. They praise the ego free environment where everyone trains together without showing off, and appreciate the coaching approach that allows questions while providing corrections for proper technique. Reviewers emphasize this isn't a McDojo and note the absence of a color belt system means white belts may remain at that level for their first couple of years. Specific praise includes the state of the art facility and the recent improvement from a neighboring dispensary relocating.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (3)
Jonathan Tokutake
2 years ago
I started training at South Bay Shotokan right after the pandemic ended. I studied three different styles of martial arts before 2020. I’ve always wanted to be a part of a discipline that has a strong connection to its Eastern origins. After two years of training, I can say that this style of karate is the best that I’ve ever been a part of. I have never felt like I was being mistreated or in a manner that doesn’t allow me to improve. I am allowed to ask questions. I do get corrected if I am doing something incorrect just so I can understand the application and how it can be applied. I should mention that this dojo includes members that have a direct connection with Tsutomu Ohshima, the founder of Shotokan Karate of America. All members of this dojo are great to train with. There is no ego. Nobody is there to show that they are better than everyone else. It’s a great learning environment. Please know that this isn’t a McDojo of any kind. If you’re thinking of signing up to become a black belt in 6 months, then this may not be the right place for you. There is no color belt system, so there may be some frustration being a white belt for at least the first couple of years. But there are also special training moments that can help the student strengthen their physical and mental capabilities. Taking part in these trainings along with attending classes on the regular, advancement in rank can and will be achieved. I cannot recommend this dojo enough. If you’re looking for a legitimate form of karate that will help you not only develop strong techniques in self defense, but it will help one improve on many other areas in life. You’ll get back what you put in! As of March 2024, the dispensary that was next door has relocated. This has created a much healthier training space.
Charles Sanchez
8 years ago
Traditional Japanese Shotokan Karate-Do (SKA). The organization has been around since 1955! My family and I have learned so much about ourselves attending classes through the years. If you want to learn about "SELF DISCIPLINE, SELF DEFENSE AND SELF CONTROL"...Join them today.
Jerome Williams
a year ago
Great people and a awesome state of the art Dojo
scheduleHours
Monday: 5:30 – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:30 – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 5:30 – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 6:30 – 9:00 PM
Friday: 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 – 11:00 AM
Sunday: Closed