Karate of LA

Master Your Power

Try A Week For FREE!

BOOK YOUR FREE TRIAL CLASS

YOUR JOURNEY STARTS HERE

Explore Our Programs for All Ages and Experience Levels

Logo for Karate of LA's Preschool K.I.C.K. Program. Ages 3-4: Focus and Fun!

Preschool KICK Crew

Focus & Fun

This class for preschool kids uses karate games and engaging instruction to build self control, focus, and discipline. We introduce basic movements and kata in a supportive group class setting. Our instruction emphasizes friendships, cooperation, and teamwork while giving students valuable introductory self-defense skills. We offer a free trial class – contact us to join or get more information! This is a fun and motivating environment where your preschooler can flourish.

Logo for Karate of LA's Elementary K.I.C.K. Crew. Ages 6-12: Skills, Confidence, and Character

Elementary KICK Crew

Skills, Confidence, and Character

Perfect for elementary schoolers (beginner, intermediate, and advanced). Our techniques focus on each student’s needs, helping them improve on their individual journey. Students gain valuable self-defense skills and learn basic karate skills, kata, and sparring. We emphasize lifelong skills like self control, focus, and discipline that benefit them in school and relationships. Join a free trial class to strengthen skills and feel confident and empowered!

Logo for Karate of LA's Teen K.I.C.K. Crew. Goju-Ryu Seiwa-Kai. Ages 13+: Mastery, Empowerment, and Discipline

Teen KICK Crew

Mastery, Empowerment, & Discipline

For teens seeking a challenging and rewarding experience (beginner, intermediate, and advanced). This class focuses on the mastery of advanced kata and sparring techniques and gaining serious self-defense skills. Our instruction builds crucial lifelong skills: self control, focus, and discipline. Students feel confident and empowered through their training in a group class setting that encourages friendships and teamwork. Contact us to join a free trial class!

Logo for Adult Karate Classes at Karate of LA. Goju-Ryu Seiwa-Kai Karate of LA's USA Honbu Dojo Logo with a fist. Fitness, Discipline, and Self-Defense

Adult Karate Classes

Fitness, Discipline & Self-Defense

Our adult classes offer a challenging workout focused on karate fundamentals & self-defense techniques for all levels, beginner to advanced. Learning traditional Goju-Ryu Seiwa-Kai builds strength, agility, coordination, & fitness. The curriculum incudes basics (kihon), forms (kata) & sparring (kumite). We teach principles of discipline, focus, perseverance & respect, promoting health & self-confidence. Advanced teens by invitation. Contact us to take advantage of a free-trial class!

Self Defense Workshops

Our workshops focus on practical, real-world application of traditional techniques, emphasizing situational awareness, and escaping grabs, strikes, or bear hugs. Designed for all fitness levels, it builds confidence through scenario-based training and efficient counter-strikes targeting vulnerable areas.

WHAT YOU GAIN:

Real-World Benefits of Karate

Master Self-Defense

Acquire powerful, practical close-range strikes and blocks that give you the confidence to protect yourself.

Develop Laser Focus

Improve your concentration and listening skills. This enhanced focus directly translates to better performance at school and work.

Forge Unshakeable Confidence

Confidence comes not only from being able to defend yourself but from consistently pushing past your limits in every training session.

A group of five women and girls practicing synchronized traditional karate blocks and stances during a Kihon basics training class at Karate of LA.

Build Core Strength

Get active with a sport that dramatically improves your core strength, flexibility, endurance and overall fitness.

Instill Self-Control

Learn to manage your emotions and actions. Develop a deep sense of respect for yourself and everyone around you.

Practice Stress Reduction

Master powerful breathing techniques and physical conditioning that work together to immediately reduce tension and improve overall well-being.

WHY GOJU-RYU SEIWA-KAI?

How Karate Will Benefit You

Master Self-Defense

Acquire powerful, practical close-range strikes and blocks that give you the confidence to protect yourself.

Develop Laser Focus

Improve your concentration and listening skills. This enhanced focus directly translates to better performance at school and work.

Forge Unshakeable Confidence

Confidence comes not only from being able to defend yourself but from consistently pushing past your limits in every training session.

Build Core Strength

Get active with a sport that dramatically improves your core strength, flexibility, endurance, and overall fitness.

Practice Stress Reduction

Master powerful breathing techniques and physical conditioning that work together to immediately reduce tension and improve overall well-being.

Instill Self-Control

Learn to manage your emotions and actions. Develop a deep sense of respect for yourself and everyone around you.

Your 3-Step Path to the Mat

Start Your Free Trial


1

Get Started

First Week Free

Experience a full week of classes with zero commitment. The best way to know if Goju-Ryu Seiwa-Kai Karate is right for you is to simply try it!

Clarify Your Goals


2

Learn More

Chat With Instructor

Have questions? Speak one-on-one with a certified instructor to discuss your fitness goals and learn more about our Goju-Ryu Seiwa-Kai system.

Join Our Community


3

Begin Your Journey

Start Your Membership

Once you’re ready, we’ll help you select the perfect membership plan to set your goals into action and immediately join the Karate of LA family.

Join a Free Trial Class

CLIENT STORIES

Don’t just take it from us

“I have trained under Vassie Shihan for almost 10 years. Karate has been a huge part of my life, so when I looked to pick it up again as an adult I was very picky in choosing my school. I will say without hesitation that he is one of the most knowledgeable martial artists and teachers alive. People travel from all over the world just to train with him for a few days — at Santa Monica Seiwa Kai (Karate of LA), you can train with him a few days every week.

– Ryan Condal

Co-creator and Showrunner

House of the Dragon

“I have trained with Shihan Naidoo in his 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. He provides his students with a complete experience in traditional karate.”

– Mark

“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

GET STARTED

SCHEDULE MY FREE TRIAL WEEK!

Ready to experience everything our traditional Japanese Goju-Ryu Seiwa-Kai heritage has to offer? Join us for a full week of complimentary classes. Space is limited, so reserve your spot on the mat today!

Official Goju-Ryu Seiwa-Kai logo featuring a traditional clenched fist inside a red circle, branded for Karate of LA martial arts school.

CONTACT US
GOJU-RYU SEIWA-KAI KARATE OF LA

12416 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90025424-273-1000
[email protected]

© Copyright 2026 Goju-Ryu Seiwa-Kai Karate of LA | All Rights Reserved

Privacy Policy
|
Accessibility Statement