Cova Kai Karate
About
Cova Kai Karate in Virginia Beach offers both MMA and traditional karate training in a focused environment that emphasizes practical self-defense over flashy techniques. The gym teaches the Okinawan Shorin-Ryu style, which prioritizes basic movements performed with power and balance for real-world application. Instructors maintain traditional values while providing pragmatic training that develops discipline, confidence, and faith in one's abilities, helping students become the best versions of themselves. The small class sizes ensure plenty of one-on-one attention from teachers, and upper belts actively participate in advising and training newer students, creating a collaborative learning atmosphere.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the gym's focus on practical self-defense and quality instruction over flashy techniques or easy belt promotions. They highlight the serious adult-oriented training environment, the sensible and logical teaching approach, and the collaborative atmosphere where upper belts help newer students. Specific compliments mention Sensei Smith's philosophy of training for quality not quantity, the Shorin-Ryu style's emphasis on basic movements for real-world defense, and the welcoming, patient attitude toward newcomers. Reviewers describe developing discipline, confidence, and stress management skills while appreciating the small class sizes that ensure personalized attention.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Antonio Jackson
2 years ago
I’ve only been a student for a few months and this is my first experience with martial arts of any kind. As a husband and a father life can get stressful. The instructors have shown me in such a short time that it’s not just , kicking, punching and blocking. It’s developing discipline, its confidence and having faith in your abilities to become the best version of yourself. I wish I started a lot sooner.
michael bartha
a year ago
Genuine training focused on self defense not easy belt promotions. Very pragmatic while maintaining traditions and values. I have trained many years in Karate and this has been the best.
Arnel Tanyag
a year ago
Looking for a karate dojo in the Virginia Beach area that caters specifically to adults? Look no further than Coastal Virginia Karate! This isn't your typical kids' karate class. Coastal Virginia Karate offers a serious training environment designed to help adults achieve their goals and objectives in their life. Go check them out and experience what makes them uniquely different.
Ethan Schroeder
12 years ago
I have been a student at OBI Karate school for almost 1 year. What I like about this school is that the focus isn't on producing black belts, but instead teaching karate in a sensible and logical manner. As Sensei Smith always says "we teach and train for quality not quantity." We train for real life and not for competition.
Irena
11 years ago
When I first moved to Virginia Beach, I looked at many different dojos before deciding to join OBI Karate. We practice an Okinawan style called Shorin-Ryu which focuses on basic movements performed with power and balance for practical defense, rather than teaching flashy movie moves. Every class is a great work out and the small size of the school ensures plenty of one-on-one time with the teachers. I also really appreciate how involved the upper belts are with advising and training the lower belts. I have been training here for almost a year now. Bottom line, this is a great school if you are serious about learning karate. Everyone has a great attitude and is very patient and welcoming to new students. Definitely recommended!
Contact
3157 Shipps Corner Rd # 106, Virginia Beach, VA 23453, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed