Shihan Lazarus is a rarity in today's martial arts world. With 40+ years of practice and over 20…read moreyearly trips to Okinawa for his own training, he has amassed a body of knowledge of Shorin Ryu Karate, as well as Okinawan history, and traditions, that puts him in a category well above 90% of the other schools around. He teaches old school, authentic Okinawan Karate the way it was meant to be taught. No gimmicks, no shortcuts, just honest traditional training in an art that has stood the test of time but is still applicable in today's world.

I have been a student of Shihan Lazarus for over 25 years with good reason. He doesn't rely on fads…read moreor gimmicks, just solid, honest training in an art that has both a long history as well as applicability today. His knowledge, dedication, and passion for teaching authentic Okinawan Karate help him train some of the best martial artists I have ever met.

I've studied many styles at many dojos (schools), all of them excellent, but Sensei Matt Hogan…read morestands above everyone as a truly great sensei (teacher). Not only is he highly skilled, but he is highly intelligent, patient, compassionate, warm and kind. He is great with the kids. He creates a great atmosphere. He is also well-versed in Okinawan martial arts history and lineage. This is authentic and tradition martial arts.

From the owner: We've moved! Find us now in the Mill 77 building in downtown Amesbury! As a special promotion to…read morecelebrate moving into our own space, sign up for a one month free trial! We teach combined, family style classes with all ages (6 year old minimum). People are paired with others of appropriate age and size for partner training and all students learn and are held to the same standards of self-discipline, respect, and conduct inside the dojo and out. As the only traditional Okinawan dojo in the area, we offer a great opportunity to gain strength, discipline, endurance, and learn self-defense while bonding with family and friends in traditional, but supportive environment.

This place is great! Highly recommended. Master Randall is great with kids. Our youngest child…read morestarted when he was 5 almost three years ago. We enrolled him hoping karate would help with his mental focus and overall health. It has done wonders. We've also seen huge benefits in his self-confidence, core strength, and stretching flexibility. What we didn't expect is that Master Randall is such a great mentor for the kids. He often adds short stories in the middle of classes with moral messages; having the kids participate and building their social skills. These classes can help your child develop into a better athlete and a better person.

This school is a great start to learning karate! The instruction is fun and easy to understand…read more It's a great way to improve your self-defense and discipline.

The Dojo instructors hosted a group of 16 of us for a pre-college mom & daughter self defense…read moreseminar. They were amazing, teaching practical self defense techniques, including simulated situations with a man in red pads. We had an amazing time, learned so much, and all came away feeling more confident. Such a wonderful service they provide to the community for a modest donation to the local women's crisis center.

I cannot say enough good things about The Dojo. My daughter started going here in February and we…read moreare just utterly blown away by them. First, it's fun! My daughter laughs and enjoys every class. Second, she learns a ton! She's grown immensely in the last six months and her skills are impressive. Third, everyone who works there is so easy and great to work with. Shihan sets a great tone for the whole Dojo and I look forward to my daughter continuing to practice here for years to come.

I took the adult karate and kickboxing classes at Karate International. My goal was to get back in…read moreshape and learn a skill at the same time. I got in the best shape I've been in since college. I went from being able to only do a few push-ups on my knees to pumping out 20+ at a time. The karate classes engaged my mind while working my body. Kickboxing left me exhausted but exhilarated at my progress. Most of all, it was so much fun. There is nothing like being out of breath from working out and laughing at the same time. Lastly, I've seen people post this before, but I've now experienced it myself - you become part of a family. I have moved away for work, but the people I met at KI continue to be dear friends. I encourage anyone to just give it a try; it will be more than worth your while.

From the owner: We have used our 20+ years of martial arts experience to create a practical self defense curriculum…read morefor youth, teens and Adults. Self defense can play out in many different ways and environments. Learning the karate international system will help students deal with all types of self defense situations and scenarios. We emphasize integrity in all aspects of life. No Karate International student should believe that they can behave one way in our center, and that they can drop their standards at home or at school. Our program emphasizes integration of all areas of their lives, and requires that students put forth their best efforts and become their best selves in all areas of life. We use black belt excellence as a metaphor for personal excellence.

Great dojo, highly skilled instructors. Very diverse type of Karateka attend (Age, nationality,…read moremale/female). Good beginner program for kids.

This is a great, traditional dojo offering multiple classes daily. There are evening classes…read morethroughout the week and morning classes on Saturday and Sunday. If you're looking to challenge yourself in a physical and respectful way, this is a great school to reach your goal.

My 10b is thriving at SW. They teach hands-on techniques, bully prevention, playground defense and…read moreweapons training. I would describe our dojo as old school, character building and Sensei Gene is invested in my son. They do a lot of free sessions for the community as well.

I recently attended a women's self-defense workshop at Seacoast Warriors and in just 2 classes, I…read morehave already learned so much. Their instructors are professional and knowledgeable and most importantly - patient! I have limited experience with martial arts, but their team is willing to help people of all ages and experience levels. I highly recommend them!

Want a long term influence for you or your family? This is the place where I started training in…read moremartial arts 25 years ago, and it has been the best influence of my entire life. As a direct result of my time there, I eventually moved to Japan for years to continue martial arts training, and have dedicated my life to martial arts, now teaching at my own Dojo in Los Angeles. I can't believe how much I owe to my experience at Shodokan. Thank you for being such a wonderful influence. Thank you for being such a great inspiration. I hope many more people will have the opportunity to be a part of your Dojo.

I feel very lucky to have found this dojo, which has been in operation since 1964. This school…read moreoperates as a nonprofit school and does not pay its instructors; this shows the commitment of teachers and students to the art. New students go through a two month intro class that will allow them to join regular classes with more confidence and a good understanding of the basics of Aikido. The intro class is taught by the school's senior instructor, Sensei Mulligan, who was designated as "Shihan" or Master Teacher from Aikido World Headquarters in 2010. He has trained and inspired many students but what makes the Shodokan a special martial arts school is the energy and sense of humor from Mr. Mulligan and the teachers and students. The school also offers Judo, Karate and other arts, with instructors and students cross training in different arts. Visitors are welcome to come by and sit during class, so if you're interested, come by and check it out! Read more: Beverly master Bernie Mulligan reaches highest rank in Aikido - Beverly, MA - Beverly Citizen http://bit.ly/kTVmqI

Well established family business. Helping kids and adults create healthy minds and healthy bodies.read more

Best Kyokushin school around. This school has been there since the early 70s. Owned and operated by…read morethe legendary Giordano family.

Cindy and Jen are fantastic. My son joined the studio 3 years ago. His confidence, discipline and…read morepatience have greatly improved. They change things up regularly and make it very fun for the kids. Would recommend anybody come by to try a class.