Business Details
41 Years
experience
Your Trusted Martial Arts School in Albuquerque Since 1985
Established in 1985, Takaimine Karate has dedicated over four decades to empowering individuals through martial arts training in Albuquerque, NM. Our school specializes in Tae Kwon Do, Derobio Escrima, Shoto Kan, and Shorin Ryu, emphasizing physical fitness, mental discipline, and character development through CHIPS (Courtesy, Honesty, Integrity, Perseverance, and Self-Control). Led by Grandmaster Chavez, a 7th-degree black belt with over 300 tournament wins and inductions into two martial arts halls of fame, we have promoted more than 160 students to black belt ranks. Our curriculum includes sparring, forms, traditional weapons training, and board breaking, catering to ages three and up. Recognized as the 2023 Top Martial Arts Center by distinguishedteaching.com, we combine technical excellence with life skills development.Remote training options ensure accessibility during challenging times, while our community-focused approach fosters family engagement through shared physical activity. With multiple locations and flexible class formats, we remain committed to making martial arts accessible to all. Our instructors hold certifications across multiple disciplines and organizations, including AAU Tae Kwon Do and World Traditional Martial Arts Federation. We maintain active involvement in regional competitions, having earned over 100 medals in recent events. Our mission remains unchanged since founding: to improve lives one kick at a time through authentic martial arts instruction.
Services
Tae Kwon Do
Karate
Escrima
Private Lessons
Remote Training
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We have 40+ years of experience training martial artists of all ages.
- Our instructors hold 6th-7th degree black belts across multiple disciplines.
- We offer four distinct martial arts styles under one roof.
- Recognized as Albuquerque's Top Martial Arts Center for 2023.
- We provide both in-person and remote training options.
Associations and certifications
- AAU Tae Kwon Do
What people say
Top martial arts center
Award-winning instructors
Family-friendly environment
Excellent competition record
Effective self-defense training
Services
Tae Kwon Do
Tae Kwon Do training focuses on head-height kicks, jumping spins, and fast kicking techniques. Students learn traditional forms and Olympic-style sparring while developing physical fitness and mental discipline. This Korean martial art builds self-confidence and teaches CHIPS values through structured belt progression.
Derobio Escrima
Derobio Escrima teaches practical self-defense techniques against multiple opponents. The Filipino martial art improves upper body strength and teaches empty-hand combat, weapon defense, and close-quarters tactics. Ideal for professionals needing practical skills in confined spaces like pilots and transit workers.
Shorin-Ryu Karate
Shorin-Ryu Karate develops mental focus and physical strength through kicks, punches, and kata forms. This Okinawan style enhances coordination, reflexes, and overall health while emphasizing traditional karate principles and weapons training.
Shotokan Karate
Shotokan Karate improves stamina, flexibility, and agility through Japanese hand techniques. Students train mind-body connection using traditional forms while building endurance and spiritual awareness in a structured learning environment.
Remote Training
Remote training options include live Zoom classes and structured home practice programs. Students maintain progress through virtual group sessions and private lessons while following safety protocols during public health concerns.
People
Grandmaster Chavez
Founder & Chief Instructor
7th-degree black belt with 300+ tournament wins, AAU Hall of Fame inductee, and 40+ years teaching martial arts. Established Takaimine Karate in 1985 and promoted 160+ students to black belt ranks.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We offer Tae Kwon Do, Shorin-Ryu Karate, Shotokan Karate, and Derobio Escrima with certified instructors in each discipline.
What age groups do you accept?
Our programs serve students aged three and up with age-appropriate curriculum and belt progression systems.
What benefits do students gain?
Students develop physical fitness, self-defense skills, mental discipline, and character through CHIPS values.
Do you offer remote training options?
Yes, we provide live Zoom classes and home practice programs for continued training during public health concerns.
Can students compete in tournaments?
We actively support competition with regular participation in AAU events and preparation for regional/national tournaments.
Reviews (5)
Alicia Michelle
Aug 13, 2021
Report
Our daughter started a few months and she loves it there. I can't recommend this place enough. Everyone is so nice and the kids are always helping each other.
Mariah Gonzales
May 06, 2021
Report
It has been a great part of our lives for 3 years. There is an amazing sense of community and the skills my son has learned will stay with him for a lifetime. Grand Master Chavez is always growing and adapting as she needs to, to keep the love of tae kwon do alive!
Shawn Flanagan
Feb 09, 2021
Report
I met Master Chavez back in the mid 90s as an 11 year old black belt in Taekwondo, who had just moved to New Mexico. She was such an amazing instructor and helped guide me to the Junior Olympic. Here 25 years later, she still has made a lasting impression and memories. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to learn martial arts or compete at a national level in Taekwondo!
Isayiah Harrison
Aug 20, 2020
Report
This is the best martial arts dojang I've ever been to. I've been with Grand Master Chavez for 4 years now and I love it. Not only do we teach Martial Arts but we also teach respect for our instructors and for our parents.
M. P.
Jul 15, 2020
Report
We have been going to Takaimine for three years and my girls love going to there. Grand Master Chavez and the other instructors are awesome with the kids. We are very lucky to have found this Dojo.
