We love this place. My husband and sons train here. Franco Sensei is an incredible teacher. World renowned. Master in weapons. Asked to teach throughout the world. If you want to learn traditional Okinawan Goju karate, this is the place. His team of team are fantastic. You will not only learn how to defend yourself, but also learn the culture in which it embodies. read more

After years of searching for the right place to train, I knew moments after walking through the doors at Bushikan I had found what I was looking for. As the old saying goes, when the student is ready, the teacher will appear! There is a sense of history and tradition at Bushikan that I have found is often absent elsewhere. Here students are taught the correct Japanese terminology, and history of Okinawan karate, which not only helps them to better understand the cultural origins of Goju Ryu, but helps create a sense of deep respect for themselves and others. As I complete my second year of training at Bushikan, what stands out to me is the sense of family fostered by Franco Sensei and Chrisan Sensei. We train hard. Kihon (basics), Kata (imaginary fight), Kumite (sparring), and Hojo Undo (supplementary exercises) set a strong foundation for the students here. The expectations are high, but not without understanding and a strong focus on teachable moments. One does not simply learn to fight at Bushikan, one learns to keep fighting and to conquer the things that keep them from doing their best while helping others do the same. Students are given the opportunity once a year to travel to Okinawa and train where Karate was born, gathering understanding of the unique culture that it sprang from. Likewise, students and teachers from all over the world travel to Bushikan dojo several times a year to gain deeper understanding of Goju Ryu Karate and Matayoshi Kobudo. I can't speak for everyone. One gets out of Karate what they put into it of course. However, this dojo has been a powerful force of positive change in my life and I am thankful to have found it. As a teacher for twenty years I can honestly say that the younger students are some of the most astute and respectful I have ever known. Some of them have been students at Bushikan since they were as young as three years old and are now in their teens and twenties as responsible leaders. The adults are some of the most helpful and giving people I have ever met. If you are looking for a traditional karate dojo, Bushikan is a place for both the young and young at heart. There is a lot more to know, but it is best experienced and not read on a website. I highly recommend you come and see for yourself. You won't regret it. read more

I recently trained here for just one month. I've been practicing Okinawan Goju Ryu for many years and have a Shodan (First degree Black Belt) from another school. After receiving my Shodan for that school, I took 2 years off from training. When considering training again I decided to investigate this school as it is the only other school teaching this style in north county. I visited and watched a week's worth of classes. There's a 'room' where you can sit and observe classes. Although you can't hear what's being said, it's still a nice feature. The location of the school is a bit of a challenge to get to as it is in a remote part of a small shopping center. If you're traveling south on S. Rancho Santa Fe, you will need to go to San Elijo Rd. and make a U-turn to then make a right. Something to consider when planning on years of trips to and fro. Also the school is on the end of the building. It's up against the brush and wilderness. One night during class Sensei and Crisan said they saw a mountain lion right outside the dojo. Also consideration as you'll (or your children) be leaving class at night. After a couple of days I was introduced to Sanguinetti sensei. He invited me into his office for a long conversation which was very nice. His office was warm and inviting as well. I decided to sign up and I purchased a patch and two t-shirts. It's expensive and there were no discounts offered (to me) on anything. The adult classes are from 7-9pm. There were just two other adults (on average) attending the adult classes. The rest of the students were teenagers making up the bulk of the class 10 or 12 or more. The children are well versed in Japanese terminology as everyone counts aloud during warm ups. Sensei and assistant constantly emphasize 'saying' the Japanese word for the next exercise or technique being used. "Everyone say...." The junior assistants and training partners I trained with (first and second degree black belt) children (teenagers under 18 years of age) appeared stiff and without much power in their techniques which is expected of children but difficult to work with as an experienced adult practitioner. The children are allowed to stay until 9pm for the "Advanced" class, but most leave at 8pm. When leaving, there is a respectful, brief ceremony that the children must perform to demonstrate thanks and respect to the elders attending the class. Again, the children seem quiet and reserved here and Sensei is constantly reminding them to raise their energy and dojo spirit. I noticed one of the girls was 'made' to hug Sensei after class before she left the floor. I must've looked at this strangely as Sensei, while hugging the girl explained to me, aloud, that he does this 'for' her. It's part of her training to bring her out of her shell. Each time I saw this, it made me uncomfortable and the girl did not look happy either. Some of the boys in the 7pm class lack focus and discipline. I'm sure this is why they are put in karate classes. One boy stood out. Here's why: When Sensei or the assistant instructor are talking or explaining a technique, students are required to stand in a military style 'at ease' position. And this one boy would always stand more casually, like a teenage boy is wont to do. One night Sensei reminded the boy and told him to do pushups. This is good for the students! It makes them stronger and helps us all remember our lesson! However, Sensei made the boy say, aloud, in front of the other students, myself included, "I am a ballerina" with each pushup. I was mortified. This happened each night I was there! the assistant (Crisan) joined in as well asking the student if he were going to be "wearing a tutu to class". Totally inappropriate and absolutely politically incorrect no matter what. When I decided to leave the dojo Crisan told me that it takes two months to cancel, so there would be two more payments deducted from my credit card. Two months to quit? I'm not familiar with any company that does that. I would not recommend this school. read more

I have been practicing here for about a year, both Karate and Kobudo. The Dojo is outstanding and Sensei Franco and Sensei Chrisan are experts and great Teachers. I had to take a break for physical issues that are bothering me, but I would strongly recommend this dojo for traditional Martial Arts. read more

Bushikan Karate Dojo - Senseï Franco Sanguinetti explaining Sanchin Kata principles - Karate Near Me - San Marcos, California

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Integrity, Accountability, Continuous Education, and Respect are a few foundational philosophies of Sensei Franco's Bushikan Karate Dojo. In addition to providing an unrivaled mastery and teaching of the art of Karate, Sensei Franco cultivates a strong sense of community that infuses the politeness and principles of traditional Japanese culture, language, and society. He as well provides a fun, positive learning environment that instills self-confidence. Moreover, to support further education, he provides unlimited access to an extensive marital arts library, which he has personally compiled over the course of several decades that is available to all the Dojo's students. My family has been a part of the Dojo family for eighteen (18) months, and we've had a very positive and wonderful experience. We've participated in Kobudo seminars as well as partake in community Dojo dinners and were impressed by how well-mannered and welcoming all members, which include the teenage students, were in receiving and hosting my family. The consideration and family-oriented environment is a testament to not only Sensei Franco but to the parents' involvement and reinforcement of the Dojo's key principles while at home. read more

I took a great class here to learn some self defense after hearing great things about their sensei. I LOVED this dojo! Everyone was super kind and helpful. I've taken a couple of other classes but they all just didn't seem to care about actually helping you learn the best way to defend yourself personally, just "here are the same 3 moves we teach everyone" like they were just doing the class because they and to for community service hours and moved on. It was the complete opposite here! I felt they really cared about helping me learn to protect myself, they took the time to talk to me individually, what my strong and weaker points are, where my comfort level is, what I'm worried about, etc. I talked to a lot of the members of the dojo and they had all been there for a long time, clearly had worked their way through the training and loved it. A few of them even gave me some advice on some books I might want to read on Bushikan! Overall I felt so respected by everyone here, this is what a dojo should be, not just people teaching a class for an hour because they have to. They really care about the martial arts and about the people learning it here. Everything I heard about them was absolutely correct; what wonderful people! And their sensei was so kind and patient with me; I will absolutely go back and would recommend to anyone that they give this dojo a try! I feel like I actually learned something here about self defense and feel stronger since going to their class. read more

There are a lot of good places to learn Karate in the area. They all offer quality instruction. What makes Bushikan special is the positive focus and positive reinforcements. This dojo is great for kids. They are involved in their local community and have been around longer than most facilities. If you have little ones, this is the place to start. No hard sell, it's about developing kids and community. read more

I wanted to express my 2 thumbs up for this Karate Dojo. Sensei Franco and his team (Sensei Chrisan and others) are great. Our daughter started 7 years ago at only 3 1/2 years old. They are good with children and assure that their training goes beyond the physical. Their students gain confidence along with respect and a sense of responsibility. While the physical activity is almost constant, their approach has an interactive exchange which nurtures these other (perhaps even more important) attributes. For instance, in a group of beginning (white belt) children if there is a slightly more experienced yellow belt child, then that one is in charge of certain side activities - directing the white belt children. This instills leadership. When they arrive at the Dojo they enter with a respectful phrase (in Japanese) that essentially means "I'm entering this school fresh... and leaving negativity outside (e.g., emotional baggage, frustrations, sadness, etc) of the Dojo". There is a positive energy which further connects students to promote a team spirit... a sense of esprit de corps: pride, fellowship and a bond throughout the group. At least that's how it seems to me, as a parent of one of the students. I highly recommend this place if you are thinking of an activity for your child that goes beyond the physical / safety benefit and will also nurture good character development. read more

My 6 year old son has been coming to this dojo for over a year now and loves it! It's done wonders to reinforce his confidence and respectfulness of others. I've sat in to watch several classes and Sensei Franco and Chrisan keep the classes fun and engaging. read more

Great discipline, fun thorough workout and all the good things that come with martial arts are all offered here. My son and daughter have taken classes with sensei Franco and Crisan for the last few months. Not only they are learning self defense but the respect and sportsmanship are few other aspects that they bring home. Definitely a positive influence for every child. read more

I've had the distinct honor and privilege of training with several exceptional instructors within the law enforcement, military and martial arts community, but Sanguinetti Sensei is on another level. His depth of knowledge, passion and commitment to the traditional martial arts is unparalleled. Sanguinetti Sensei also serves as a tremendous role model for others and embodies the virtues of Budo. He and his partner, Chrisan Sensei, have created a welcoming, supportive, family environment. I'm looking forward to training with Sanguinetti Sensei and the Bushikan Karate Dojo family for years to come. I would highly recommend this dojo for anyone interested in learning the traditional martial arts from a truly humble master. read more

We love this dojo! My entire family joined years ago. Sensei has instilled the value of respect in my children. We couldn't be happier and highly reccommend this dojo. read more

I have trained in Kyokushin standup fighting, judo, and other martial arts for over 40 years. Sensei Franco and Chrisan teach the building blocks of martial arts including sparring, kata (imaginary fight), and the application of both. I have not trained in a more comprehensive school in my entire life. You will learn full contact fighting skills, self defense, kata, and, most importantly, the martial way (budo). An incredible school which prepares both kids and adults for our full contact lives. read more

Sensei Franco is a very good Kobudo (weapons) instructor. While my son is no longer at Bushikan, the best Kobudo training he received was at Bushikan. read more