La Mesa Dojo - Shin Kyokushin Karate
About
La Mesa Dojo - Shin Kyokushin Karate offers authentic Kyokushin karate training in San Diego under the guidance of Instructor Saif Almodares, a Nidan (2nd Dan Black Belt). The dojo provides a traditional yet clear class format with close instructor guidance on technique and improvement, suitable for both complete beginners and experienced martial artists. Classes are scheduled after weekday rush hour traffic, making them accessible for working professionals. The training expands striking repertoires while delivering rigorous body and cardio conditioning through drills and live contact sparring. Members describe the experience as transformative, building discipline, focus, and confidence that extends beyond the mat into daily life. Sensei Saif brings deep knowledge of Kyokushin to every session, investing genuinely in each student's development while maintaining the art's demanding standards. The atmosphere is described as challenging yet respectful, where students are met at their current level and built up from there. This is not a casual fitness gym but a place for serious martial arts development that pushes physical, mental, and spiritual limits. The dojo's approach combines traditional karate values with practical self-defense applications, creating what members describe as both rigorous training and profound personal growth. Reviews consistently highlight how the experience goes beyond mere kicking and punching to become a journey of self-discovery and character development.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise Sensei Saif's deep knowledge of Kyokushin and his genuine investment in each student's growth. They describe classes as challenging but accessible to all skill levels, with excellent technical guidance and conditioning through drills and sparring. Reviewers highlight the transformative nature of training, noting it builds discipline, confidence, and mental toughness that extends beyond the dojo. Several mention the experience as unexpectedly profound, with one calling it 'an uninvited psychological deep dive' that tests character and commitment. No negative concerns are mentioned in the reviews.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Zac Savage
3 weeks ago
I’ve been participating in classes since it’s first class and really love it. Definitely recommend for everyone of all skill levels and goals.
Paul de Guzman
in the last week
first timer for training kyokushin as its been a long standing interest of mine to try out, and so far the experience definitely has not disappointed under senpai saif. if youre looking for a combination of: - a traditional but clear, class format with close guidance from instructor on detailing technique and improvement - looking to expand your striking repitoire either coming from no experience at all or coming from another discipline - getting in good body and cardio conditioning from rounds of drills and live contact sparring - classes that (currently) takes place after the regular weekday 2-6pm highway rush hour traffic this is the place for you
Andrew Zavala
in the last week
If you’re looking to push your limits and grow physically, mentally, and spiritually this is the place. Sensei Saif brings deep knowledge of Kyokushin to every class, but what sets him apart is how genuinely he invests in each student. He’s tough when he needs to be and patient when it counts. Kyokushin can look intimidating from the outside, but don’t let that stop you. Sensei Saif meets you where you are and builds you up from there. Whether you’re a complete beginner or experienced, you’ll be challenged and respected equally. This isn’t just about kicking and punching — it’s about life. The discipline, focus, and confidence you build on the mat and carry over into everything else. OSU! 🥋
Zayne
in the last week
If you’re looking for a McDojo, don’t come here. You will cry. That’s not hyperbole, that’s orientation. This is Kyokushin, with a sensei from a place where the word "fear" and “quit” isn’t entertained. If you want to doubt your discipline, your heart, your soul .. and perhaps your entire life.. then this is the dojo for you. My confidence.. tested My self-esteem.. recalibrated My life choices.. to be determined But wait! There’s more! Would you like to know who you are? Would you like to know the intrinsic value of your discipline and heart? Then look no further. I came in with the expectation of enduring the art of the toughest karate.. what I got.. an uninvited psychological deep dive within my soul. You’re not just joining to to fight like George St. Pierre… but a profound incisive therapy that speaks more honestly than your own therapist. I even went home questioning my relationships… I thought I had couple decades of martial art experience, Senpai Saif looked at my resume.. simply smiled, and humbly.. surgically.. without a word.. proceeded to invalidate it. My heart is sold. Where have you been in my life?
Gabriel Hartzell
in the last week
Sensei Saif is an excellent teacher. Classes are informative and you leave with a sense of self confidence and respect for others. Would highly recommend this dojo to anybody interested in Kyokushin Karate. Osu!!
Contact
5280 Baltimore Dr, La Mesa, CA 91942, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 8:00 – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: Closed
Friday: 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
Saif Almodares
Instructor
Nidan (2nd Dan Black Belt)
Lifelong martial artist with over 20 years experience. Began in Judo, trained Kickboxing competitively in the 1990s. Achieved Sho-dan in Kyokushin Karate (2001) and Ni-dan in Shinkyokushin Karate (2015).