Sensei Dulce is a tremendous man and teacher. I was one of the original black belts when the dojo was opened and am honored to have been one of his students. Some of the best times of my youth were with the people, training, and friendships at the dojo. I am so blessed to have shared time with Sensei and my fellow students. Thank you to Andre and Washington Shotokan. Excellent organization. read more

Washington Shotokan Association - Sensei Dulce and I - Martial Arts Near Me - Bellevue, Washington

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Non-profit Karate organization to learn not just about Karate but teaches you respect, discipline, self defense and so much more. First experience with belt advancement testing and we were allowed to see how other kids advance to the next levels. It's right inside Safe-lite and Facing East plaza. Ki is about $55- light weight uniform Testing is $45 Patch is about $16 Oss! read more

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A fierce passionate school running on heart and soul.The teachers draw no salary, the knowledge being passed on is pure, untainted and fierce! Not for slackers or those looking for an easy black belt but also not asking for anything more than the commitment and willingness to follow through. Show up, train hard, repeat and you will see, you will see. Family friendly, life friendly, intense and inspiring, a large smorgasbord of daily classes to fit your schedule, teachers with a wealth of knowledge and different training styles to find your fit, community of like minded karetakas to find 'your people.' Come for karate and see it grow into a life passion. The school has recently started participating in competitions and as a testament to the rigor, there are winners right off the bat. The social scene is strong as well with barbecues and parties. The dojo just celebrated 50 years and celebrated the life of founder Sensei André Dulce (8th degree black belt.) I have trained with Sensei Mostafa, Sensei Maria, Sensei Neil, Sensei Mitch, Sensei Jack, Sensei Kevin, Sensei Mark, Sensei Robert, Sensei Abhishek, Sensei Kristina, Senpai Andre, Senpai Kate, Senpai Ivan and I marvel at their wealth of acumen and capability and commitment to transfer it. If life allows you the opportunity to train at this dojo, seize it! Sign up for an intro trial class today and see if you don't get hooked! Washington Shotokan Karate Association. OSS! read more

Washington Shotokan Association - Martial Arts Near Me - Bellevue, Washington

Arriving in Bellevue WA, I tried to find a Dojo where I can enjoy my passion Karate Shotokan, with a small search in google and localization I find myself in the Dojo WSA. One of my proudest moments in life was when I joined the Washington Shotokan Association Dojo. The dojo is a delightful spotless and clean, dedicated facility with a floating wood floor and large changing rooms with showers. It's a great place to learn traditional Japanese karate and grow as a person with smart, gracious, and learned educators. they are profoundly dedicated to their students. You can enjoy adult and youth programs. Whether you are looking for a good workout that will teach you self-defense or want an activity for the kids that will teach them discipline and respect while keeping them physically active, WSA dojo is the perfect choice. I had the opportunity to attend different classes with different instructors. At anytime I was very happy to learn to practice differently, something is important to have the passion, and need to learn with love, feeling and respect, you'll never regret. I'm thankful to every one of the educators, senseis, sempais, and understudies I had the delight of meeting in every one of the classes I joined in. All those memories stay alive forever. I continue training nonstop, keeping in my mind and in practice the principles of the repeated Dojo Kun: * Seek perfection of character * Be Faithful * Endeavor * Respect others * Refrain from violent behavior Oss! I hope return to train with you, with my family WSA, soon. With warmest regards, Miloud B. read more

The WSA is a non-profit place to learn humility, discipline, respect and self-defense. It adds enormous benefit to one's individual life, and great benefits to the culture of our community. Joining was one of the best decisions I've made in my life. The Sensei and Sempai supported us students through the pandemic with online classes and a safe and clean place to train. They have taken great pains to protect and teach us through this difficult time. I was helped to get my shodan-ho with their tremendous effort this year. Also, since it's not a gym and is not-profit, they don't have a bunch of predatory fines and fees--it's all straightforward and logical. I couldn't have done anything better with my time or money, and will definitely be putting my future kids through the program. read more

Washington Shotokan Association - Me (center) and the great Senseis at the WSA! - Martial Arts Near Me - Bellevue, Washington

This was the first time I had ever been here since the remodel and it was a great experience. The staff is very friendly and very knowledgeable. We were there on a yelp night and had a beginner class with a few of the instructors. It has been a while since I took martial arts so I was trying to learn as quick as possible. The instructors were very patient and very nice. They took us through a few drills, we learned so Kata's and then we did some mock fighting drills. We had to learn how to "oss" everything out which was funny to do again but it slowly started to come back. If you are looking for a place to do Karate this is the place to come. This dojo has been around for a very long time as have the instructors. I would know as I came here as a kid. Sensei Andre Dulce is an old family friend and has taught most of my family. This is a great place for beginners and those wanting to get better who have had some experience. The life lessons you will learn here will resonate with you forever. read more

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I basically grew up in this dojo and some of my fondest memories have come from my time here. Sensei Andre Dulce has been such a positive influence in my character, he taught me to try a little harder by encouraging me when I wanted to give up, to become a better person by respecting others and so many more important aspects of life. The values and life lessons I learned here have stayed with me and I can foresee them lasting a life time. Sensei is kind and really funny as well, he can make anyone laugh and flip something hard into an exciting challenge. Without a doubt if you're interested in karate you should come here, they have free trials! It pays off starting young but anyone at any age can begin training, they have classes that are especially for adults! One of my proudest moments in life was when I attained my black belt you can do it too! Dojo Kun: Seek perfection of character Be Faithful Endeavor Respect others Refrain from violent behavior Oss! read more

Washington Shotokan Association - Martial Arts Near Me - Bellevue, Washington

WSA is a great place to learn and grow. My daughter joined at the end of July after seeing a demostration at the Japanese Fair in Bellevue. By nature she is quiet and can be shy. Her Sempai has already helped her confidence. I joined 3 weeks later, and at 49 it has been pretty fun. I wished I would have started this earlier read more

Washington Shotokan is a unique and special place. It truly has a family atmosphere, and because it is a non-profit, it's a labor of love for all of the senseis and sempais who contribute their time to train and teach, manage the dojo, and foster a community. The quality of instruction is excellent, and students are taught not only the martial art itself, but also character and discipline. All of the senseis have extensive experience (decades) and amazing skill, and focus on helping students develop a strong foundation and proper technique. The difference in quality is very clear when competing in tournaments against other dojos. There are a wide range of classes and offerings, and there's something for students of all types (beginner to experienced, young kids to adults). The facilities are excellent, and very well maintained. My teenage daughter and I have trained at this dojo for over a year and a half now. It's been an amazing experience for both of us, and I highly recommend it. read more

Washington Shotokan is a unique dojo and a great place to begin or continue your martial arts/karate practice. My husband and I both started for the workout (with our kids) but we are still here almost 10 years later! There is a wide range of classes available, kids and adults, for the beginner and all the way up to an advanced karate practitioner. The sensei are professional, well-trained and just very good. The dojo itself is clean and well kept, and has the best floating wood floor around. If you are looking for a dojo, this one is a must-see. The first class is free and class schedules/levels are posted on the website. You can just show up and check us out, oss! read more

Washington Shotokan Association is a great place to learn traditional Japanese karate. The instructors are thoughtful, courteous, and knowledgeable, and committed to their students. The dojo is a beautiful and clean dedicated facility, with floating wood floor and large changing rooms with showers. Excellent adult and youth programs. Whether you are looking for a good workout that will teach you self defense, or want an activity for the kids that will teach them discipline and respect while keeping them physically active, Washington Shotokan's diverse curriculum of teaching kihon-basic stances,blocks,punches,and kicks; kata and bunkai-choreographed forms emphasizing blocks,attacks, joint locks, and throws; and kumite-sparring; provides a well rounded experience that develops the entire person-mind, body, and spirit. They've been around for over 40 years, after one visit your will know why! read more

This dojo has been around for many years. I cut my martial arts teeth at this dojo 25 years ago. It's great for children and adults let go of their egos and release some tension. The floor space is excellent. It is hardwood and raised slightly. There is enough room to have large classes. There are mirrors on one wall and and rails to assist in stretching. The last time I was there they still had some old murals that were corny and awesome at the same time. My path in martial arts has changed over the years and even though I'm not associated with the school any longer, some of my best memories are of Sensei Dulce's warm demeanor. He is an excellent teacher and role model. If you are interested in Karate then check out one of the classes. read more

I've been practicing karate for over 12 years, and the first time I walked into the Washington Shotokan Association dojo I immediately felt at home. The instructors are amazing, and so are the students. Take a single class and you are sure to love it read more

I moved from the UK just over 3 years ago and tried a number of different karate clubs locally before selecting Washington Shotokan Association to continue my training. I chose this club for a number of reasons: * the friendly, welcoming environment that I encountered from day one from Sensei's, Sempai's and all students, * the great training facility at the main dojo on Bel Red Road, * the number of classes offered - there's at least one class each day Monday - Saturday for everyone and * the variety of general and specialist classes - kata, kumite and nagewaza Whether totally new to karate, or already a colored/black belt I would highly recommend coming along and giving trying this club a try. I don't think you'll regret your decision. read more

I too spent many years here in my youth and earned my 1st degree black belt here. I was enrolled for 6 years from grade school throughout high school and I can't say enough of how Sensei Andre Dulce was an awesome role model and instructor. A lot of kids grew up and started here to become great people who have used the lessons and discipline learned from WSA to shape others. I carried the hard work created here throughout my life. It was because of Sensei Andre Dulce and WSA that I received the confidence needed to compete in karate sparring. I even traveled to other states to win tournaments. That assurance carried through to my high school wrestling years and influenced every aspect of my personal and professional life almost 20 years later. The instructors were great and tough when they needed to be. It is apparent that there is a rich tradition and history tracing it's roots back to the originators of real Japanese karate to the US. I would send my kids here when I have some! read more

I've been training here since November 2014 and love it. They have daytime and evening classes which makes it easier to fit in w/ my crazy work schedule. The instructors are amazing, inspiring and truly passionate about teaching karate. My mentor, sensei Showalter doesn't let me get away w/ slacking during class and I appreciate that as it motivates me. The other students have been way welcoming as well. I studied hapkido for 5 years down in CA and when I moved here I couldn't find a studio I liked. They were either too "commercial" or seemed to only care about charging uber crazy fees. WSA is non-profit so everyone there cares about the craft rather than money so the tuition is totally reasonable. The first class at WSA I knew I had found the place I wanted to train. Highly recommend! read more

Sensei Dulce is extremely patient yet rigorous, and a wonderful teacher... Your wiggly one will cease to wiggle ;)

My children started to practice karate at this dojo, and my husband and I joined them later. It's been over 10 years since our children first stepped onto their floor. Our kids just earned their first black belt. It's tough work, but all instructors are very supportive and the dojo's atmosphere is so family friendly, it makes hard work seem enjoyable. It's a very good place to learn discipline in a positive way. Highly recommended! read more

I've been training since I was 8 years old. I am now 15 years old and earned my black belt. I consider the dojo as my home away from home and the community is friendly and uplifting. Being a student and an assistant instructor, I have seen how the kids and adult classes work and they are both fun but you still learn a lot. I love the instructors and they are a big part of my life. read more

Great traditional karate dojo! Very friendly staff and instructors. Good for kids and adults.

I don't think that I could've asked for a better place to take Karate classes. I started taking Karate when I was 6 years old, because, to be honest, I wanted to become a ninja. While I quickly realized that this wasn't the case, the skills that I learned while going to the Washington Shotokan Association are incredible. I learned to have discipline, boost my self-confidence, and respect. If you have a young boy OR girl who has an abundance of energy, Karate is a great place to take them. Because Karate is based off of Japanese principles, young children will learn the importance of self-control, respect, and discipline. This is all done in an amazingly fun environment where the "Sensei's" and "Sempai's" or "teachers" crack jokes all the time but skill giving you a good workout. And, hey, even if you're an adult who wants to give Karate a shot, there are plenty of adult classes to take ranging from beginning to intermediate to advanced. An overall completely awesome program! read more

My son currently goes to this dojo for karate practice. He started about a year and a half ago and decided immediately that he loved this place. All of the senseis and sempais are very inviting and they teach the kids very valuable life skills that they will be able to use once they walk out of the dojo. We started off by taking advantage with the dojo's summer special (I think it was $72 for the entire summer) and we've continued on, month after month. My son is now 7 1/2 years old and wants to continue on until he gets his black belt. Sensei Dulce is a very very good positive influence and role model for the kids, but so are all of the other Senseis and Sempais. Parents are able to watch the kids practice. The dojo is very clean and well maintained. I love it when Sensei asks the kids how they are doing and all of the kids say "terrific!" Always teaching the kids to have positive attitudes about everything. And teaching them to be proud of who they are and having confidence to accomplish whatever it is that they set out to do. Osss!!!! read more

The best dojo in town. We spent many years here. The teachers are extraordinary. The families are supportive and kind. The children are learning a fantastic discipline that rounds out young people in many ways. It's an extraordinary place that you'll be proud to call your dojo. They have a great reputation in the community. My son gained a lot from his time here and made friends that will last a lifetime. read more