Business Details
24 Years
experience
Expert Martial Arts Training in Albuquerque
Founded in 2002, New Mexico Shotokan Karate has provided expert martial arts instruction in Albuquerque for over two decades. Led by Chief Instructor Randy Sanders, a 7th-degree black belt with a background in recreational therapy and physical education, our studio offers comprehensive training in Shotokan Karate, Goju Ryu, and Kobudo Weapons. Our qualified black-belt instructors prioritize individualized instruction, adapting techniques to students' unique abilities and goals.With classes for ages 5 to 85, we emphasize character development, self-defense skills, and physical fitness while preparing students for state, national, and international competitions. Our curriculum integrates Japanese martial arts culture and language, and we host master instructors from Japan for specialized seminars. Parents and students consistently praise our family-oriented environment and the positive impact of our program on personal growth and discipline.
Services
Shotokan Karate
Goju Ryu Karate
Kobudo Weapons
Iai Jutsu
Martial Arts Competition Training
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- We offer family-oriented martial arts training for ages 5 to 85.
- Our instructors hold 4th to 7th-degree black belt certifications in multiple disciplines.
- We provide specialized curriculum for recreational and competitive martial artists.
- Students gain access to international master instructor seminars and exams.
- Our program combines physical training with Japanese cultural education.
What people say
Love karate
Build self-confidence
Made friends worldwide
Family oriented
Recreational to competition
Services
Shotokan Karate
Traditional Shotokan Karate instruction follows techniques developed by Master Gichin Funakoshi, emphasizing deep stances, powerful strikes, and precise movements. Our curriculum includes kata (forms), kihon (basics), and kumite (sparring) for structured skill development from beginner to advanced levels. Students learn Japanese language and cultural elements while building discipline, coordination, and confidence through systematic practice.
Goju Ryu Karate
Goju Ryu Karate combines hard and soft techniques through circular movements and close-range combat applications. Instruction covers strikes, blocks, grappling, and throws derived from Master Chojun Miyagi's teachings, with a focus on practical self-defense scenarios. Students train using makiwara (striking posts) and partner drills to develop power, timing, and distance control in dynamic, real-world situations.
Kobudo Weapons
Kobudo Weapons training teaches traditional Okinawan self-defense techniques using bo staffs, nunchaku, sai, and other historical implements. Classes explore historical applications and modern adaptations of these tools while emphasizing movement coordination, weapon safety, and practical combat strategies. Students master kata forms that preserve centuries-old warrior traditions and develop full-body coordination through repetitive practice.
Iai Jutsu
Iai Jutsu instruction focuses on Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu swordsmanship traditions dating to 1590, emphasizing swift draw cuts and precise blade control. Under Sekiguchi Komei Soke's lineage, students practice solo kata forms that cultivate mental focus, posture discipline, and situational awareness through repetitive movement patterns that simulate real combat scenarios.
Competition Training
Martial Arts Competition Training prepares athletes for state, national, and international tournaments through specialized sparring drills, kata refinement, and performance analysis. With over 30 world championship gold medalists produced, our program develops strategic thinking, competitive endurance, and sportsmanship while maintaining traditional martial arts values. Students receive personalized coaching for forms, weapons, and point sparring divisions.
People
Randy Sanders
Chief Instructor
7th-degree black belt Shotokan expert with 40+ years experience, combining martial arts mastery and therapeutic education to develop accessible training programs for all ages and abilities.
Diane Peterson
Senior Instructor
6th-degree black belt specialist in Shotokan Karate, bringing decades of competitive and teaching experience to student skill development and advanced technique instruction.
John Hale
Weapons Coach
5th-degree black belt expert in Shito Ryu Karate and Kobudo Weapons, offering specialized guidance in traditional Okinawan weaponry techniques and applications.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We offer Shotokan Karate, Goju Ryu Karate, Kobudo Weapons, and Iai Jutsu training under certified black belt instructors.
Do you have classes for children?
Our program accepts students aged 5 to 85 with beginner through advanced classes tailored to individual skill levels and learning paces.
Can I train without competing?
Yes, we offer recreational programs focused on personal development alongside competitive tracks for tournament participants.
Are your instructors qualified?
All instructors hold 4th-degree black belts or higher with decades of combined experience and international training certifications.
Do you offer weapons training?
Our Kobudo Weapons program covers traditional Okinawan tools including bo staffs, nunchaku, sai, and katana through historical kata forms.
Reviews (5)
Raye Rae
Jul 24, 2021
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Sensei Randy had always incorporated fun with his lessons. My son really enjoys his time learning Shotokan in this dojo. We are back at it, after COVID. Highly recommend.
Rachael Landau
Dec 06, 2019
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Unpretentious, educational, family-friendly, inclusive, egalitarian environment for authentic instruction of students of all-ages, at all levels of experience. Instructors communicate clearly, use positive reinforcement, and foster great attitudes. Despite the challenges of discipline, physical exertion, and learning about their martial arts, they excel at making it fun.
Joyan Laughter
Nov 17, 2019
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My children absolutely love the instructors and the positive learning atmosphere that they have created at this dojo.
Baroness Von Wilhelmina
Aug 17, 2015
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I have karate at school with the senseis and started going here recently. I absolutely adore everyone here and am so happy to be going here!
Ryo Lambert
Jul 19, 2015
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Fantastic dojo, amazing atmosphere and facilities, and for a great price! They care about the people not the bottomline; the teachers are qualified, insured, and are both incredible with kids and adults. This dojo has produced world champions, let me compete at that level, and has given me the discipline and moral caliber necessary to face the world!
