My then 9 year old daughter had been bugging me to get her signed up for karate. Having no background myself and not sure what to look for, I enlisted the help of a good friend who had taken karate for several years and had always said it changed his life. His first recommendation was to look at Karate on Main, because it had been there for awhile--a good indicator. I asked him to come with me and we sat down with Sensei Ellis to talk about the program. He spent an hour with us going over how the program works. I was impressed with how well-rounded the program was--not just teaching kids to fight, but instead incorporating character building skills and a family atmosphere. After we left I asked my friend what he thought, and he said if it was him, he'd sign his kid up in a heartbeat. The program is solid, the curriculum is progressively and individually challenging, and the price is fair. Since my daughter has ADD and had previously not succeeded in any group sport, Sensei Ellis suggested we let her try it out first. It took a couple of visits to the dojo and first just watching classes, then participating, and we are now almost 2 years into it and SHE LOVES IT! It's "group" oriented enough to give her a feeling of camaraderie and support, and individual enough to give a constant goal to be working on. I highly recommend this dojo. A very class act! read more

When I first came to Portland, it was with a background in Shaolin Kung Fu as a student, and I really didn't have an interest in Karate at all. I came to check this dojo on the recommendation of a friend, and had signed up by the end of the week. This is a dojo in the traditional style; there is a deep respect for the art and for your progress that is difficult to find in most modern dojos. It is treated as a journey, not a sport. And while you do not have to be a buddhist, or religious at all to get the maximum benefit, the workouts and the practice are deeply calming while also making you physically powerful. Sensei Ellis is no joke, either. His master is Higaonna Morio (google this name), the leader of the International Okinawan Goju-Ru Federation, whose master was also the head of the art, and so on up the line to the founders of Karate. This is one of those rare places where the art has been absolutely preserved, and there is no more authentic place in Portland to learn from. There are cheaper dojos, and more convenient dojos, but I dare say that after looking long and hard there are not BETTER dojos. This is a bad place to go if you are looking to get into MMA or sport karate, and an excellent place to go if you are looking to get deep into the martial arts and change yourself. read more

My son has been part of this wonderful, community-oriented karate club for nearly four years, and it has been an incredibly positive experience for both of us. With its long-standing history and deep roots in the community, the club offers not just excellent martial arts instruction, but also a strong sense of belonging and tradition. From the very beginning, he has found support, encouragement, and lasting friendships here. I'm especially grateful for the many dedicated volunteers--who are truly part of the karate family. Their time, energy, and heart help create a welcoming and enriching space for everyone. I also really appreciate the family-oriented events the club organizes--they foster a warm, inclusive environment where connections grow beyond the dojo. I wholeheartedly recommend this club to anyone looking for a place that values growth, respect, and community. I'm proud to be part of it and excited for all the future learning and development ahead. read more

Our family was looking for a traditional Okinawan karate dojo in Portland for our kids (two boys aged 4 and 8), and only discovered Karate on Main by expanding our radius to include Tigard. Any "fighting art" will captivate kids, but the core curriculum in this dojo is clearly centered around character-development, with added benefits that include self-defense and fitness. While we were initially attracted to the size & quality of the kids' program, my wife & I ended up enrolling ourselves in the adult classes too---resuming our karate training from college and gaining an unexpected social outlet as well. The teaching lineage of this authentic Okinawan Karate school is a single-step removed from Goju-Ryu founder Chojun Miyagi, and the karate training here is as traditional as it gets---there are no black gis, no pop music accompanying the kata performances, and no cage fighting. read more

My son just turned 5 and has been taking classes here for about 9 months. We enrolled him after his pediatrician suggested we find such a program for him-- he's big for his age and quite physical. In looking at several dojos, as well as other programs, we made the decision to attend Karate on Main. At his age level, the emphasis is on listening, following directions, showing respect to your teacher and your classmates along with trying your best. In the time we've been going, I've seen my son's attitude improve along with his coordination, strength and flexibilty. He's now motivated to do his best and loves working towards the next colored belt. He says he's going to be a black belt, so we'll see. :) Sensei Dawn is great-- she's tough when she needs to be, but loves the kids and it shows. read more

My husband and I had been looking for a traditional karate dojo since moving to Portland six years ago and we were delighted to discover 'Karate on Main'. Sensei Ellis is a wonderful instructor with the ability to push his students toward excellence using kindness, humor and a tough, no-nonsense attitude. Our 8-year old son has shown marked improvements in behavior and attention since starting karate and my husband and I are getting into amazing shape! However, this practice is not just about physical training, emphasis is also placed on the development of mind, spirit and character. I continue to be inspired by Sensei Ellis and the other wonderful instructors and I highly recommend this dojo to anyone interested in learning the art of Goju-Ryu karate. read more

This dojo is exactly what I was looking for. Sensei Ellis epitomizes Goju. He is an old school military guy who has learned that everyone learns differently. His teaching techniques are as fluid as his kata. He can be hard and loud or comforting and supportive. He always seems to know what you need to get you past the next hurdle. He has also gathered a group of senior students who all follow his lead. The result is a dojo where everyone works together to help each student. I work full time and spend a lot of time in traffic, but no matter how bad my day has been I always look forward to getting to the dojo. The work outs are always hard and the people are always great. read more

Sensei Ellis is the best period. I am so grateful for all he has taught me & continues to teach. He is a great mentor, confident & teacher. I knew nothing about karate when I joined but he was very patient & believed in me when I didn't believe in myself. Do what he says, "Trust your Sensei, believe in yourself, sweat." I did & have lost over 70 lbs since I started. Karate on Main has changed my life!! I have made great friends within the dojo family as well.. I am so grateful that I'm here. I can't say enough good things about it. Karate on Main is the best place to learn karate whether you are 5 or 50 years old!! EXCELLENT FOR KIDS!! read more

This dojo has become my second home. Sensei Ellis is an excellent instructor, unfolding the secrets and history of traditional martial arts. He teaches with respect, intensity and humor, creating an atmosphere in which all students seek to do their best, and to never give up. Training gives a workout for all muscle groups, promoting strength and flexibility. I encourage all to try this dojo, located on Main Street in Tigard. It is a fun way to make friends, get in excellent shape, and preserve the cultural treasure of Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-do. read more

Traditional Karate for the modern student! Sensei Ellis is great for building a solid foundation, both physically and mentally. This dojo remains true to the style and truth of traditional Goyu-ryu Karate. It is refreshing to find a traditional path vs. the many "sport" karate centers focusing on a ring or octagon. In Seishinkan, your ring/octagon is what you practice during your normal everyday existence. The focus is on doing your best in all activities - this is the spirit of Karate do. read more

great place and stuff cool teachers :3 this things needs to be 85 characters so I will just spam r rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr read more

I highly recommend this dojo! There is a large student body ranging in all different levels which makes the classes fun and not intimidating. A unique feature of this dojo is the family class and the womens class. I am a 32 year old woman and have been a member of this dojo for the past 7 years and wish I had started 20 years ago! read more

Our son has been training at Karate on Main for almost 2 years. Sensei Ellis is a strong and patient teacher who has created an atmosphere of respect, trust and support. He really cares about his kids. I highly recommend this Dojo to anyone who wants to start their kids in traditional Karate. No frills, just good hard work and fun. read more

Wonderful Dojo! My son started at age 4 and has been attending for 5 years. His little sister then started when she was old enough and finally my wife joined. She loves it. All three of them attend regularly and my son is working toward his junior black belt. read more

Cool dojo offering martial arts classes for various ages and skill levels. Also offers massage out of the dojo, I think with some special deal for students, which is really convenient and awesome! read more