Absolutely the best karate school in kitsap! Kids and adults are welcome, very family oriented…read more This school has boosted confidence in kids and adults alike.

To claim that this is a shoto-kan martial arts dojo is not true. First the patch of the fist…read morebelongs to the art of GOJU karate which is totally different from shoto-kan. Both are hard forms but goju uses short motions versus shoto-kan long motions. I have studied the art of shoto-kan for over 55 years along with aikido and judo, even though I am now retired. I was one of the top ten fighters in Hawaii back in the early 70's, owned Port Orchard and Northwest shoto-kan back in the 80's & 90's before moving to Nevada. I have seen many imitations of the art by people whose only objective is money by charging out rageous fees, minimal class time, etc. My classes lasted 5 or more hours every night for adults, two hours for kids, my black belts were required to do no less then 500 kicks, punches, attacks, etc. We trained the same as I did in Japan and Hawaii no less. Softness was not a requirement in my dojo. I trained with the best in Japan Karate Shoto-kan Assoc under, sensei's Asai, Nakayama, Enoeda, Kanazawa, Funakoshi, and more instructors. I also Trained for more than 5 years in Japan. I held the rank of 5th dan for over 25 years and reconnected with Kanazawa sensei back in Hawaii under my uncle 9th dan Shihan Sueo Nishimura, chief instructor for Hawaii Shoto-kan International Federation owned by 10th dan Soke Hirokazu Kanazawa. There are to many fake instructors and others teaching the art today so one must be careful on choosing a dojo to learn in. Research is the key to getting a good dojo to practice and learn. Looking at the pictures a shoto-kan practioner one would never use kung-fu style stances for fighting; fight with an open hand (very dangerous); keep weight on back leg; not practice in the traditional gi; use the wrong patch as symbol of art, (shoto-kan is the tiger-nothing less, Standing Fist belongs to the art of Goju); must train in white gi no other color, not allowed to work out in t-shirts, short, jeans, shoes, etc.; must practice the dojo kun, oath of Shoto-Kan Karate, and must respect all. Sensei Nishimura, 5th dan Shoto-kan Chief instructor

2 kids, completely different personalities. Our oldest loves to try new sports, the youngest not so…read moremuch. Our oldest is a purple belt and has competed in a tournament in Tacoma and got first place in his form in his age. He continues to excel and learn. We set up 2 intro classes for our youngest, one on one with her and Sensei. She was excited after them, then we got to the group classes and she was scared and didn't want to do it. We kept at it and every time Sensei would ask her for help getting things to keep her active. FINALLY he got her to play a game and she fell in line right after with the rest of the kids!! She didn't even realize she was now doing things with the class but she did it!! I can't tel you how proud of herself she was when she got home and so were we (Mom, Dad, and big brother) but the way Sensei works with these kids is just mind blowing! I suggest Aspire Karate for anyone looking for another option to sports for their kids, or themselves. OSS

Sensei Trace is very skilled, has top notch pedagogy, and a great attitude towards all his students…read moreboth young and old. I recently got back into training since stopping 15 years ago and chose to join Aspire, and I look forward to learning more. Great Shotokan school.

Our daughter dropped in on two other karate studios before landing here. Far and away, the…read moreinstruction was the most organized and structured of the three, which worked well for our child. It's made very clear what is expected of the student, and what happens if the student doesn't fulfill what is expected. Master Elmore (5th degree), the other instructors and long-term member-families are fantastic -- technically knowledgeable, respectful, supportive, and inclusive. The studio itself is great: large open space, clean, good lighting, and a good viewing area for spectators.

Master Elmore runs a great shop and cares deeply about the development of his students. If you or…read moreyour kids are interested, I highly suggest you stop by to get information on when you can join and try it out!

Doing karate with my kids has been such a bonding experience for me and my kids…read more Spirit Force Karate has been an awesome way to get back into shape and learn self defense at the same time. I'm 34 years old and overweight and have never been made to feel bad about that. They work with all skill levels, they are good with my kids, and are knowledgeable about what they are teaching.

Sensei Ferguson is amazing, especially with kids! Our daughter has been going to this dojo for the…read morelast 3 years and has loved every minute of it! We met Sensei Ferguson at the City of Everett's karate class at Forest Park (he teaches this class), but there were so many kids in the class that my daughter couldn't focus, so we started going to his dojo. What a difference! He is so patient and kind with little ones! He takes the time to get to know your child and their skill level, and teaches with humor and kindness. We love this place!

I have great respect for Soke Thomas and the master teachers at the dojo. My children, particularly…read moremy son, have grown tremendously in the year they've been studying there. Not only does he have a chance to focus his energy physically, but he is learning self discipline and respect, and as a parent, I have gained an additional support system.

I've enjoyed this karate school ever since we joined. My kids started in May 2025. I sat through…read moreevery practice I could and saw the love and consideration they had for their students. I also witnessed how they stay true to the tradition of Okinawain Karate. My kids were taught every skill needed for every task. Every practice they contained so much knowledge. I was blown away. I had surgery on my ankle in July 2025 and at the end of August 2025 they welcomed me into class and it was one of the greatest decisions I've ever made. I've learned so much and just continue to learn over and over again. The focus they've given me and the understanding they've given me of Okinawain Karate is mind blowing. This school has brought so much to my family and they have all became part of our family. Words can't even describe the gratitude I have for them. They are so compassionate, meet you where your at, and bring you up from there. I would highly recommend this school. It would be one of the best decisions you could ever make. Thank you for reading! Have a wonderful day and may God bless you and your families!