Classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:00 – 8:30 pm, at our dojo in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury neighborhood.

We also teach karate classes at the Presidio YMCA on Mondays and Wednesdays, 7:15-8:30pm. Participants must be members of a YMCA.

In a typical class we practice kihon (basics), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring). Every practice starts and ends with a brief meditation and rei (bow).

Students of all experience levels, from beginners to senior black belts, practice together. The classes are tailored to the students by our instructors. We welcome adult students (age 14 and up) to practice with us.

Experienced black belts lead all practices. See here for more info on our instructors.

How to join us

Would you like to visit our dojo and practice with us? Newcomers are always welcome at our dojo, including both beginners and people with past karate experience.

We typically encourage our visitors to first come to watch a practice. Our instructors will be glad to answer any questions you may have, and you’ll be able to talk with other students as well.

Given approval from the instructor, you can practice with us. When beginning to practice, you do not need to have a gi (karate uniform) — you can simply wear regular workout clothes.

Visitors are welcome to watch classes.

Membership

We are one of about 100 dojos of Shotokan Karate of America (SKA). SKA is a non-profit organization founded in 1956 and is the oldest karate organization in the USA. Every student at our dojo is required to become a member of SKA. Annual SKA membership is $75 for the first year, then $100 per year after. Your instructor will provide an application form and answer any questions. There are many benefits to membership with SKA, including, but not limited to, the following:

• There are no fees for gradings (belt tests). Here is more information on SKA’s ranking system.
• You may participate in the many SKA events in California and elsewhere.
• You may practice at other SKA dojos in the United States.

San Francisco dojo dues are $40 a month, which pays for our rent, gear, and occasional social events. Any dojo funds left over at the end of the year are donated to Shotokan Ohshima Dojo, to help maintain our beautiful main dojo in the hills above Santa Barbara.

As SKA is a non-profit organization and instructors volunteer their time, the cost of our membership is very affordable.