Since I have known Vassie Shihan (1995) he has always been a kind person, intelligent and tough instructor, and an expert coach of Goju-Ryu Karate Do. I have met a lot of instructors of many styles. Hands down Vassie Shihan sets the example of what a Master Instructor demonstrates in knowledge, training, and ability. He is always willing to help you improve. Your quality of life, karate, and skills will be improved upon stepping into this dojo.

Brian

The thing I love most about being a part of the dojo community is that it IS a community. It is a place to learn, but it is fun and feels like family. I have learned so much from being a part of the dojo, especially about respect and discipline. This helps me at school because you have to have a lot of focus and show respect to people around you. The dojo helps show that with all the different people teaching you and around you. The dojo has helped me learn a good balance of fun and focus.

Mia

A great dojo! All are hardworking and respectful. Vassie Sensei brings many years of experience to the table. He seems to have this way of customizing forms and workouts to each person. Truly a rare gem of an instructor! One of the best things is that all students make you feel comfortable. You’ll surely receive a grueling workout while learning a both beautiful and brutal martial art. Recommend, recommend, recommend!

Crystal

This is more than a dojo; it is a safe place for everyone to learn martial arts from one of the finest instructors and all-around human beings in the world. Whether a four-year-old child, a 50-year-old woman or a 25-year-old man at his physical peak, Vassie Shihan and his trusted senior students train all with discipline, passion and compassion. You will work hard. You will train hard. You will love it!

Deborah

Have trained with Sensei Vassie and I have and will recommend him for beginners and experienced practitioners of Goju-Ryu Karate Do. Sensei Vassie offers great discipline, great conditioning, great self-defense techniques plus more. Come and join him for excellent training.

Armando

If you are looking for a real authentic Karate experience, this IS the place to go. Sensei Vassie is a true black belt and an amazing person. You can’t go wrong training with him or any of his black belts. Go try a class or a private lesson with them and then you can see why.

Roy

This is an absolutely great dojo. If you want good professional karate lessons, feel welcomed the minute you walk into the room and actually have a teacher that cares about your progress; then this is the place for you.

Manuela

It is a traditional karate studio with a family atmosphere. The Sensei has been studying for 60 years and is very knowledgeable. Not only will you learn self defense but will have more self confidence, discipline, and drive to accomplish goals. It’s wonderful!

Michael

A great place to learn traditional Goju Ryu karate taught by a great instructor.

Dan

I’ve been a student and instructor for the past 25 years. It’s been my home and family. It’s a great environment for anyone looking to enhance their life in every aspect. Kids, teens, and adults. Our head instructor Shihan Vassie Naidoo is an 8th degree black belt and is an amazing teacher. He teaches traditional GOJU RYU karate, and through his teachings life lessons are learned. Respect, honor, dedication and love for life and karate. Just to name a few. It’s a great school with awesome students and instructors that want the best for everyone.

Fiji

The best karate school in Los Angeles. Excellent instructions from a very knowledgeable karate Sensei Vassie Naidoo. Great community and true martial values. Too bad I had to move, but would still be going there if I was still in the area. Every kid and parent should try it out.

Oanh

Thank you, my son is in love with karate!! He has learned so much and is so disciplined.

Derek

This is a unique place! Goju Ryu Karate of Los Angeles is the only place in Los Angeles where you can learn one of the most well-known and respected karate styles in the world – Goju-Ryu. You will be trained by the most highly-ranked Sensei outside of Japan and the second senior person in the Seiwakai organization, Shihan Vassie Naidoo. Here, in a welcoming place, you will learn how to control your ego, energy and be disciplined during the training. You will find friends and be treated as a family member regardless of gender, age, and experience.

Levon

This is a unique place! Goju Ryu Karate of Los Angeles is the only place in Los Angeles where you can learn one of the most well-known and respected karate styles in the world – Goju-Ryu. You will be trained by the most highly-ranked Sensei outside of Japan and the second senior person in the Seiwakai organization, Shihan Vassie Naidoo. Here, in a welcoming place, you will learn how to control your ego, energy and be disciplined during the training. You will find friends and be treated as a family member regardless of gender, age, and experience.

James

This dojo has the highest quality of karate instruction that anyone can find in the greater Los Angeles area! I highly recommend the adult classes for skilled karate practitioners and beginners alike. Also, the kids/teens classes are great for students wanting to learn karate and/or take their skills to the next level. Vassie Shihan is a world-renowned teacher of karate and I highly recommend his teachings and his dojo.

Conrad

One of the best places I have ever trained. Vassie Shihan is one who leads by example, teaches from his heart and encourages his students to be better – not only in regard to our physical ability, but more importantly with our character. You won’t find many non-Japanese teachers outside of Japan with comparable experience and accomplishments, something which is very rare here in the United States.

Sean

Great teacher, wonderful man and a lovely dojo.

Buddy (South Africa)

I have trained with Shihan Naidoo in his Santa Monica Dojo, and I can tell you that he is one of the most knowledgeable instructors that you will find anywhere in the world. As an instructor, he is able to teach the beginning student as well as the most advanced student. I have been training in karate for more than 40 years, and each time I train with Shihan Naidoo, I learn something new.

Additionally, Shihan Naidoo provides each student with unique opportunities to train in authentic Japanese karate. Each year, he brings some of the top instructors from Japan to Santa Monica to supplement the training of his students, and each year he takes a group of his students to Japan to train at the headquarters of the Seiwa Kai and the JKF Goju Kai. He provides his students with a complete experience in traditional karate.

Mark

My daughter has been a part of this dojo for 10 years, we love it! Sensei Vassie is an amazing man. They are all family to us.

Wendy

Great Karate style. Very traditional and tough training. Very effective style. You cannot miss learning this style, so call today and get signed up.

Stephen

Sometimes it is difficult to find an authentic karate dojo that still trains in the traditional way. This is one of those dojos. Sensei Vassie is a great person, a great mentor, and a terrific teacher. Every year he travels to Japan to further his studies and keep his technique polished, and then he passes his knowledge on to his students.

Sensei Vassie is quite well known in martial arts circles, by martial artists in many different countries. He is the head instructor for Seiwa Kai Goju for the United States, and he travels to many other countries to teach and give seminars.

If you are looking for a comprehensive, traditional style of karate, then this is the place to go.

Jeff

Sensei Naidoo is the best traditional Japanese instructor on earth. Having studied many varied forms over twenty-plus years, Sensei Vassie works you hard, teaches and explains well, and has the respect of the entire Karate world. Join us.

Don

More than a decade ago, I went through the door of this dojo. I never looked back. Trained regularly with the best, and immensely enjoyed every bit of it. Highly recommended.

Romy

Since 2004, I train at this school every time I am in Los Angeles (at least 2x/year). Vassie Naidoo Sensei is one of the most experienced, dedicated, and solid instructors in North America and that’s what I am looking for. In my humble opinion, and as a martial artist myself, you won’t find a better school or better instruction than this.

James

A very strong Karate school easily located on Santa Monica Blvd. Old traditional style with modern teaching techniques. A definite recommendation.

JP