As a parent whose child has been training at this dojo for a while, I wanted to offer a different perspective from the one below. Sensei Sherry does have a very direct and no-nonsense personality, and I understand how that might come across as standoffish, especially over the phone. But in person, she is truly one of the most decent, grounded, and caring individuals I've ever met. She may have been firm if she felt there was confusion between Taekwondo and Karate--they are very different disciplines, and she's deeply committed to preserving the integrity of traditional Karate. In fact, that just shows she's not doing this for profit, but out of a true passion for Karate and a genuine love for the kids she teaches. She's barely making any money from the dojo, and honestly, customer service in the commercial sense isn't her priority. What she truly cares about is the growth, mindset, and character development of the students she works with. Sensei has taught my son so much more than just martial arts. She's helped him train his mind, build discipline, develop strong values, and learn what it means to have respect--for himself and for others. The impact she's had on his confidence and behavior has been nothing short of life-changing. Within just two years of training, he started earning medals from local Karate competitions, and now he's preparing for his first national competition! I'm incredibly proud of him, but even more grateful for the amazing sensei guiding him on this journey. I would really encourage you to visit the dojo and try out a class or two in person before making a final decision. It's hard to get a full sense of someone's heart and character over the phone. Once you see her in action with the students, I believe you'll come to see that she is truly one of the best--and for the level of dedication and mentorship she provides, her fees are more than reasonable. Wishing you and your daughter the very best on your martial arts journey--wherever it may lead! read more

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Sensei Sherry and Sensei Alanna are amazing teachers and they create a caring and tough family like environment. My husband and I combined have lost over 110lbs over the year thanks to the great work out, motivation, and positive reinforcement. Our son is also becoming stronger, more confident, and has made great new friends! read more

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I called Sherry, and for some reason she was extremely stand-offish. I was looking for martial arts for my 6 year in the area, and thought it was Taekwondo, but told her I was open to any martial arts for my daughter. She hung up on me. Why kind of master of martial arts has this type of temperment? It's absolutely dissapointing. I'm not master, but have been fortunate to learn jiu-jitsu, kung-fu, and karate for almost 7 years. Never once have I interacted with an instructor with such a temperment, nor have I ever had such poor customer service. Based off her reviews, she seems to be good at her mastery, but I'm absolutely appauled and would not feel comfortable having a person like this teach my children. read more

This is the best Karate Dojo in San Diego. Shihan Miki is the kindest Karate Master If ever known, and the best trainer. He knows his stuff, because most of the History of Karate and particularly Shito-Ryu actually took place in and around his home. He personally knew the Mabuni family who began the Shito-Ryu style. Sensei Sherry is a fierce competitor and will produce the best you can be. The great thing is, they will train you at the speed you are comfortable with. If you want to join just for the benifit of cardio, or to teach your children martial arts, or if you want to be the best Karate competor in the curcuit, they have the collective experience and genuin desire to teach it all. I was taught Bunkai for many Katas at another location and always wondered why most of the techniques didn't make sense. After joining JKO, Shihan Miki corrected my bunkai and it made more sense, and his techniques were much more effective. This is a great place for kids too. They never get bored, and they're not over disciplined, and they are allowed to learn at their own pace and to be kids too. I am currently not a member any more, so this review is completely unbiased. My advice from my experience in Karate is: 1. Never join a Dojo who's only opinion that "They are the best!", only comes from the Sensei himself. 2. Never take your children to a dojo where the head instructors don't have kids themselves. 3. Always take the more expensive, short term contract at first to get a feel for the teaching and the environment, then trust your instincts when its time to renew. read more

My kids have been training at JKO since they were 5. Hansei Miki, an 8th degree black belt, and his wife Sensei Sherry are fantastic instructors. They make the classes fun and the children advance at their own pace learning traditional karate skills from a world master. They have a unique ability to turn kids with average athletic skills into competition level athletes. Some of their students have competed and won at National and International competitions. I would highly recommend them to anyone who is looking to get their children into a sport, but have concerns about the pressures and costs of team sport organizations. read more

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Sensei and her daughter are both awesome. They helped me loose a ton of weight. I feel better and I move better. I started competing in the competitions and tournaments. I have placed in all of the ones I went to so far which is a great feeling. The dojo is family friendly. Sensei lets our son hang out and play games with the other kids while my wife and I are working out. She can be strict with the kids and pushes them to do their best but makes sure she reminds them how special they are to her. I really like that this dojo practices and teaches real Japanese Karate. If you are looking for a real Karate experience, to be encouraged to do your best and more, to obtain confidence to put yourself out there and compete, and to just enrich your life a little more then this is the right place. read more

Sometimes people ask you about a defining moment in your life. I was asked that question a few days ago and thought I should share this with JKO. Once you gain enough intestinal fortitude to walk through the door and begin training you will work up an energetic sweat that is intoxicated with addiction. You can't wait to get back and do it again and again. The intoxication of endorphins is supplemented by the experience of the JKO instructor's with their tenacious enthusiasms for the sport. The defining moment comes when you are ready to take the test in order to obtain a belt. Wow, what a feeling to get color. You have graduated from nothing to something. Yes, you can go to a 'Karate in a box' and achieve many degrees quickly, but JKO makes it a true test along with the right amount of fun. read more

Personally I am very satisfied with JKO. I signed my kids up a few years ago. After watching them for a while I signed up myself and have been going regularly for 3 years. JKO has 2 locations and 2 highly qualified instructors. I mostly go to the Carlsbad location. While people go to karate for many reasons like self defense, discipline, exercises, flexibility, confidence or sport karate (competitions). This karate studio is a place that kids and adults can learn from the best. I believe Hanshi Miki and Sensei Sherry each bring a commitment to excellence and are passing on a rich traditional art. I have seen parents bring their kids to these studios and watched these kids grow in character and the ones that choose to compete in sport karate are exceptional. The JKO team is always winning many trophies. read more

The Karate Instructors here at the "Real Thing". The classic training offered to students of all ages is second to none. Our family has grown stronger together. No only physically, but mentally and in leadership. My daughters learned more about respect and self confidence very quickly. Thank you JKO Team. Best Wishes. read more

Japan Karate Do Organization - This Karate Dojo is "The Real Thing". Strength, respect, honor is what is at the core. Highly recommend! - Martial Arts Near Me - San Diego, California

if you're looking for a great workout, a workout that uses your brain and your bod, and a way to remove stress, this is the best place to do so. this is a traditional Shito Ryu Karate studio where you will be required to learn the history of karate and Japanese terminology. Sensie Sherry is an excellent instructor who genuinely cares about the health and well-being of her students. she understands that people age and may not be "kids" anymore. she will push as much as she can to get the best out you. her classes are fun and challenging. I can't really speak to her work with children because I don't have any, but I do know that parents love her. what I've seen is that she is "real" with kids and tough on them. she is also very maternal with all the kids. she trains champions and takes pride in the accomplishments of her students. she will toughen up your kid, teach them discipline, respect, and how to be gracious. it's a different dojo because it's run by a women. I've found that other dojos can be a little too testosterone driven for me. So this one was refreshing. this dojo is not going to make you an MMA fighter but it's going to make you stronger, more able to defend yourself and give you a strong feeling of accomplishment. highly recommended. read more

I taxi my 7 year old nephew to his classes here a few times per month. I get to watch the kids learn and play. The instructors are friendly, professional, and encouraging toward the students. I really like that my nephew is more active. When he was in the real little kid class, it was a good introduction. Now that he is at the next age level, he sweats more and I can see him achieving better outcomes in his techniques. I highly recommend this group. read more

Starting karate at the age of 47 was stressful, to say the least. After numerous knee surgeries, a neck injury, and some arthritis, I was very apprehensive. Sensei Sherry Miki has made my experience phenomenal. She balances the ability to push to get each student's best with the reality of their place in the physical universe. Despite the fact that she makes it "doable" for everyone, this dojo has also produced some champions! Now, 15 months later, I am in the best shape I have been in for 20 years, have a good way to get stronger and more flexible (and to get out some aggression in a constructive way,) and even won my first medal for any kind of athletic achievement in more than two decades last month. You would be hard pressed to find someone who is able to get as much out of her students in a way that is so motivating anywhere else. If you want to learn traditional karate, become physically fit, relieve aggression and tension, improve flexibility and strength, and be around great people - this is the place! This review is for the San Diego Dojo on Midway Drive. read more

GOOD TRAINING: Now, my kids can most definitely defend themselves if attacked (son and daughter). My kids have many friends in various martial arts throughout San Diego and they cannot compare to the quality my kids are receiving. The students receive training by learning katas (routines) and kumite (sparring)---they have time for fighting both karate style and street style so they are prepared...and.....then they help the smaller newer students train, thus they learn to become more critical of mistakes. So, when they teach, they learn much better form and style, and also, become kinder and more compassionate. So, the students become extremely good at physical control (repetitive labor intensive moves---squat position for 100 punches--ouch!) and mental control (patience in teaching young children). The training is hard, we can hear "hit harder! get him! get her! harder! flex deeper, you can do it!", but also, they incorporate fun things like dodgeball , jumping tables, and wheelbarrow races, among many others, into the training which simultaneously trains their reflexes and strength. All ages are treated respectfully. So, it is a well-rounded place to train, absolutely. GOOD PRICES: I compared around San Diego and still best prices. GOOD PEOPLE: Husband, wife, daughter team--so get good all around training.Their love for karate is evident, they take it very seriously, but they can laugh as well. They do not allow nonsense, but also pick up and comfort an upset child tenderly. ......When I have had issues, I have been able to discuss them and resolve them. (My kids have been there 3 years and we have managed to work together through several issues---which show me that they are good people). Thank you JKO! read more

I actually found this place on Yelp a year and a half ago. They had good reviews and a Yelp deal, so I thought I would give them a try. Fast forward to today.........my now 5 year old son is still going and doesn't plan to stop. He has become more confident and is learning invaluable life skills. Sensei Sherri and her team are wonderful......cannot say enough about them. They are nurturing, yet firm with their teaching style. Can't wait til my 2 year old is old enough to start! Thank you, Japan Karate Do Organization! You have made a difference in our lives! read more

My son & daughter have been attending the JKO dojo since the summer of 2006. Our experience here has been very positive. Both main instructors Hanshi Miki and his wife Sensei Sherry Miki are extremely knowledgeable in the art of karate and are very good instructors. Our children have not only gained confidence in self defense but also in invaluable character traits such as discipline, motivation, tenacity, self-confidence, and respect. The teaching of the art here is very traditional with fun mixed in. I am truly grateful of the experience that our family has had here. read more

My daughter is excelling due to the confidence she has aquired at this Dojo. Would highly recomend to anyone searching for a way to better thier lives. read more