I was looking for a local dojo to learn Karate in and I'm glad I've found this place!
I first contacted the dojo through their website and they got back to me promptly and invited me to a free class (you first trial class is free), to test it out and see if I would be interested. They advised to wear any comfortable light gym clothes I could move around well in and just show up!
I didn't really know what I was getting myself into when I showed up all I knew was that I wanted to learn Karate. The sensai and students welcomed me with open arms and thus my learning commenced. From then on out I've been immersed in the culturally rich world of Karate -- learning all the moves, the philosophy, making good connections with people (pun intended), and growing as a person in my understanding of myself and others. Suffice it to say I'm enjoying it.
This is a traditional Japanese Shotokan style karate dojo, and part of a worldwide organization called World Oyama Karate. I didn't know beans about karate when I first started but digging around I've discovered to my pleasant surprise that WOK is a well-respected karate organization with dojos all over the world.
One thing that makes WOK a great place to study karate is that everyone is allowed their own journey and respected in their efforts. If you have absolutely no idea what you're doing, there is someone there to guide you, even when you think you know what you're doing.
The San Mateo dojo is led primarily by Saito Sensai who is demonstrably strong and skilled in his art. Besides having a great sense of humor, he knows how to motivate, encourage and challenge students. He frequently balances his lessons for the new and the old, weak and the strong, experienced and inexperienced, so that everyone regardless of their personal level can take away something to learn.
There are also other high rank students like Michael Sensai who participate in the lessons, give good feedback, and offer their own spin and approach to training.
The students in the class of various belt colors are friendly, down to earth, and fun. After class we frequently share stories, tips, laughs, tea, karate juice (lol) and sometimes even a ride home!
Overall it has been an exceptional experience for me, and I welcome you to come!
You can message me on yelp or just show up at the dojo in San Mateo (they also have an SF dojo) --
San Mateo (Adult) classes as of right now are :
Monday 12pm, 6pm
Thurs 12pm, 6pm
Sat 10am
Drop in any of those classes, (I'm usually in the 6pm class)
BTW this dojo is right near the San Mateo Downtown Caltrain station -- which makes it super convenient if you don't drive.
There are plenty of children in the children's classes as well!
I did my research and Im pleased to have found a good karate family to learn with. read more