San Diego Kyokushin Karate
About
San Diego Kyokushin Karate offers authentic Kyokushin karate training in a clean, inviting space that welcomes both beginners and experienced practitioners. The dojo maintains a strong focus on the original teachings of Mas Oyama, with disciplined training that emphasizes fundamentals, solid technique, and true Kyokushin values. Classes typically center around specific themes and build skills through kihon (basics), kata, pad work, and kumite (sparring), all while maintaining a strong emphasis on safety. The coaching team brings diverse martial arts backgrounds, including Kyokushin, Tae Kwon Do, Judo, and Shinkyokushin, ensuring comprehensive instruction.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the authentic Kyokushin training that stays true to Mas Oyama's original teachings. They highlight exceptional coaching, particularly from Senpai Sogyel, who breaks down techniques effectively for all skill levels. Reviewers describe a welcoming atmosphere with disciplined training, strong spirit, and a holistic approach that includes sparring, pad work, basics, and kata. Specific compliments focus on the clean facility, safety emphasis, and the supportive, knowledgeable instructors who create an inspiring environment for both beginners and experienced practitioners.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
T A
4 months ago
Awesome kyokushin class, true to the original teachings of Mas Oyama. Senpai Sogyel is such a blessing, breaks the techniques down in ways that white belts and black belts can both learn from it. I'm glad I found this dojo.
Ivan Vazquez
a year ago
This is an excellent Kyokushin Karate dojo! Clean and inviting space with friendly students. There is a strong focus on fundamentals and a general holistic approach to training - kumite (sparring), pad work, kihon (basics), and kata. You will learn invaluable self-defense and fighting skills, and learn the Kyokushin way!
sean kite
4 months ago
Osu! I’m a visiting Sempai from Los Angeles, and I actively train Kyokushin. I had the chance to train at San Diego Kyokushin Karate, and it was an outstanding experience. The dojo has strong spirit, disciplined training, and a welcoming group of students and instructors. Sempai Sogyel and his team uphold true Kyokushin values — hard training, respect, and solid technique. Whether you’re new to the style or an experienced practitioner, this is an excellent place to grow in Kyokushin. Osu!
KY L
a year ago
Great dojo, and great group of people. Sensei Sogyel is knowledgeable and instructs with great detail and care, so you can learn so much while breaking a sweat! Each class centers around a theme and we practice techniques that build up our skills towards specific combos. I also love the focus on safety. Can’t recommend highly enough.
E Badiee
11 months ago
While I was in San Diego, I reached out to this dojo to see if they would allow me to train with them for a day or two—and I’m so glad I did! The experience was incredible from start to finish. The atmosphere was both highly technical and genuinely warm and welcoming. Everyone at the dojo showed great spirit, and the energy was nothing short of inspiring. Their Senpai is exceptional—supportive, knowledgeable, and very passionate about both the art and the students. I felt instantly welcomed. If you are looking for a place to train Kyokushin Karate, I can't recommend this dojo enough. Osu!
Contact
12265 Scripps Poway Pkwy #110, Poway, CA 92064, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 9:00 – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 7:30 – 9:00 PM
Thursday: Closed
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
Sogyel Lhungay
Head Instructor
Nidan (2nd Dan) in Kyokushin-Kan, Shodan in Tae Kwon Do, Green Belt in Judo
Founder of San Diego Shin Kyokushin. Began training at 15. Earned Shodan in World Oyama Karate under lineage of Sosai Mas Oyama's original students.
Saif Almodares
Instructor
Nidan (2nd Dan) in Shinkyokushin, Shodan in Kyokushin, Judo background
Over two decades of experience. Began in judo under his father. Trained in kickboxing and full-contact karate in Baghdad.
Andrew Zavala
Instructor
Shodan (1st Dan) in Kyokushin
Began Kyokushin in 2005, served as uchi deshi. Has trained, taught, and competed across North America. Trained in bo, tonfa, nunchaku.