There are many schools in the Silicon Valley, but after searching many, this is the best karate…read more and martial arts dojo. A traditional style of karate taught by a Sensei who trains in Japan every year - so cool! Sensei focuses on high-quality techniques and working hard to earn your next belt. They are in the well maintained Akiyama Wellness Center. This school is perfect if you are a beginner or experienced in karate or another martial art.

From the owner: Established in 1998…read more Seiwakai Karate of Silicon Valleyis a registered state and federal non-profit 501.c.3 (509.a.2). We formed our clun to alleviate the common cycle of dojo closing under the costly financial hardships of doing business and living in the bay area. Goju-Ryu Karate-do was introduced to the USA in San Jose California at San Jose City Cillege by Yoshiaki Ajari in 1954 and follows the teaching methods of Miyagi Chojun (yes there really was a Mr. Miyagi!).

This is our first year at this dojo and I am pleased with the results of both my 11 and 9 year…read moreold's training. Each day I pick up my kids from their practice, they are excited to tell me what they've learned and show me their cool new moves. I appreciate the discipline that is taught; it aligns with our kid's life goals. We recently had our 5 year old join. I was a little nervous for his young age and the fact that he has a speech impediment. Although I know both reasons might be more of a challenge for him, the way he is treated equally with respect, compassion, and discipline, shows he is in the right place as well. The exposer to another adult's instruction helps develop his speech. I learned that Cantrelle's Martial Arts has been around for about 20 years or so now and I can attest their business ethic proves what they offer is excellent. It would be amazing to have a bigger waiting space for parents with smaller children to help avoid the distraction of the students, but other than that Cantrelle's Martial Arts has my 5 star all the way!

The lady is not personable at all, especially with kids. They seem like nice people. Just not a…read moregood fit for a timid 5 year old.

I just started taking Iaido classes here after seeing how much my son enjoys the kendo class…read more Sensei Omi, the founder of the dojo, is amazing! As a Japanese educator, he really cares about the development of children and helping people learn. He sees martial arts as a way to clear and sharpen the mind. He demonstrates martial arts with a non-militaristic approach. At the start of class he has everyone sit down and he sits with them. This is very important especially for children as it demonstrates a willingness to talk with them at eye level and helps kids feel more at ease rather than having adults tower over then giving them instructions. Even adults feel the same way when taking instructions from someone in a higher authority. Lastly they have moved to monthly pricing as their prices weren't keeping up with the increase in building rent. Still, for less than the cost of most gym memberships you get access to multiple classes (kendo, aikido, karate, kyudo, etc). All the instructors donate their time to help keep the spirit of this dojo alive. I hope more people will consider joining.

We enrolled our daughter in karate here and are so grateful for the incredible instructors. Sensei…read moreRuka teaches her and we so appreciate her encouragement and positivity.

Our child went to WVMA. All of the instructors were great,…read morebut the place just got more and more crowded. There are just way too many kids in a class for the size of the place. SUPER crowded! And the more and more crowded it got, the more and more chaotic the floor got and that led to less and less instruction for the kids. I wish it didn't get so bad, because we really liked it there! They desperately need to limit the class size!

Love the discipline. The teaching of morality and respect are great ideas that have longevity and…read morebenefits. The spiritual aspect is most important.

Super motivating class and a great workout! Incredible attitude and expertise from coaches Tan and…read moreJack. They paid attention to every detail and awakened all our senses. Great experience!

My son has been training here since he was 2 and recently earned his Little Pandas purple belt. The…read morecoaches are patient, friendly, and work very well with kids. My son is engaged in the classes and the coaches are great at redirecting his focus and attention when it wanes. It's been a joy to watch my son grow in his confidence and skills in these classes. My daughter, who is now 2, enjoys interacting with coach Jarad who teaches the Little Grasshoppers class in a silly and very engaging way with the toddlers. We love it here!

As a former instructor at San Jose Shotokan, I have to say that this dojo, as well as the broader…read moreSKA organization, is top notch for traditional martial arts instruction. As a non-profit, it is more concerned with perfecting simple but effective techniques, rather than flashy moves. Such skills originated in Okinawa when it was subjugated by feudal Japan. Openhanded self-defense against a samurai determined what techniques were most effective. Likewise, at that time Karate practice was forbidden and it was taught in secret. This history influences the current Shotokan Karate of America (SKA) culture. We follow a traditional passage of the art from teacher to student without adding any personal biases. It is analogous to a pure bread dog. If you are interested in improving yourself, your sense of confidence, by challenging yourself to new limits, then SKA and San Jose Shotokan is the organization for you. Kevin Floyd

love this place! the instructors are all so friendly and helpful. I initially came with my…read moreboyfriend because he wanted to try muay thai and i wanted to do the fitness classes and now he wants to do fitness and I want to do more fighting haha. Just got the membership for fitness classes and it is VERY worth it :)

I started taking the Krav Maga classes because I could take a class at the same time my 10-year-old…read moreson was taking the kid's Krav class. It allowed me to get an extra hour of a workout in during the week and now I'm hooked! Krav is a real world self-defense that makes me feel strong and prepares me for real life situations. ASD also offers many other classes and so many talented instructors! Coach Shayne has been a big influence on myself and my husband. He continues to help us learn proper fighting techniques. Andrea is an awesome coach who continues to amaze us! Amit, Troy, Chris, Sergey, Marziya, and Jason have all taught me so much in Krav. Ilya's Hyrox and Fighter Flow classes are fun and a great workout! He also has a cook book that explains easy and healthy recipes! Manny's Boot Camp/kickboxing classes are always intense and will leave you sore. James' DEKA class was creative, hard and definitely worth a try! My son has enjoyed the Kids Krav classes....thank you James, Andrea, Anh and Marziya for teaching the big group of kids! I love watching him come home and practice and share what he learned. We often compare what we are all doing in class during the week. I can't forget Neal, the owner! And Carrie at the front desk! They always make us feel welcome and at home! I joined the Locked In For Summer Challenge that they organized at ASD. It has helped me stay focused on my nutrition and fitness goals. And has helped me meet some new friends! Overall, ASD is a super special place. I'm so glad my family found it and I'd recommend it to anyone interested!

Just attended a self defense workshop and the annual Norcal women's practice which Saratoga Dojo…read morehosted. The Saratoga Dojo is part of Shotokan Karate of America, a non-profit karate organization that was founded in 1955. This dojo has been around for over 25 years and teaches serious, traditional martial arts. They have great instructors who have practices many years and are seasoned instructors of both adults and children. Classes are offered as part of the Group Exercise program at the Southwest YMCA in Saratoga. Come try it out! https://saratoga.ska.org/

I have been practicing at Shotokan Karate of America, Saratoga dojo since 2007, with Craig Hamman…read moreand Curt Wvong as my seniors (dojo leaders). Under their guidance and mentoring, I feel that even as an adult I am growing stronger in mind, body, and spirit. SKA practice emphasizes the development of a strong mentality: polishing of techniques through extensive and exhaustive repetition, committing to one's attack, defense, and counterattack without flinching or bailing, and breaking through one's natural tendency to rest or give up in the face of fatigue or adversity. SKA practice at Saratoga is included with a current Southwest YMCA membership and a single annual SKA fee. Unlike some other martial arts organizations, SKA is a nonprofit organization that does not charge any fees for gradings or require members to purchase SKA-branded equipment. For anyone looking to strengthen their whole self and learn a martial art, I wholeheartedly recommend looking into practice with SKA.