Yamashita Martial Arts

Business Details

Your Trusted Martial Arts Training in Temecula, CA

Yamashita Martial Arts offers a unique blend of traditional Okinawan Shorin-ryu Karate-do, Matayoshi Kobudo (weapons training), and Suikendo, a modern fighting system developed by Grandmaster Hanshi Tadashi Yamashita. With over 60 years of experience, Hanshi Yamashita, a 10th-degree black belt, oversees instruction alongside certified instructors Sensei Kelly Tovey and Sensei Tim Roach. Our programs cater to all ages, emphasizing discipline, self-defense, and physical fitness while fostering a family-friendly environment. We prioritize mental and physical growth through structured curricula for kids, tweens, and adults, including private lessons and competitive training opportunities.

Our dojos legacy, rooted in Okinawan traditions and global martial arts expertise, ensures students receive authentic, high-quality instruction. Testimonials highlight our instructors ability to build confidence, create welcoming atmospheres, and deliver comprehensive martial arts education. Join us to experience a holistic approach to martial arts that strengthens body, mind, and character.

Services

Karate Classes Kobudo Training Suikendo Instruction Private Lessons Family Martial Arts

Highlights and features

We offer over 60 years of combined martial arts expertise from certified instructors.
Our curriculum blends traditional Okinawan Karate with modern Suikendo fighting techniques.
Family-friendly environment with age-specific programs for kids, tweens, and adults.
Private lessons available to tailor training to individual goals and skill levels.
Tested and trusted by generations of students for confidence-building and self-defense.

What people say

Great for all ages Positive atmosphere Confidence-building Professional instructors Welcoming community

Website

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Services

Karate Classes

Traditional Okinawan Shorin-ryu Karate instruction for all skill levels. Focuses on kata (forms), kihon (basics), and kumite (sparring) to develop discipline, physical fitness, and self-defense skills. Taught by certified instructors with decades of experience.

Kobudo Training

Matayoshi Kobudo instruction covering traditional Okinawan weapons like bo, nunchaku, and kama. Enhances coordination, focus, and historical understanding of martial arts. Suitable for advanced students seeking to expand their skillset beyond empty-hand techniques.

Suikendo Instruction

Modern Suikendo (Fist Flowing Like Water) training developed by Hanshi Yamashita. Combines fluid blocking and striking techniques for real-world self-defense. Emphasizes speed, adaptability, and simultaneous offense/defense strategies in dynamic combat scenarios.

Private Lessons

Customized private sessions tailored to individual goals, whether mastering specific techniques, preparing for competitions, or accelerating belt progression. Provides focused attention from instructors to address personal strengths and areas for improvement in a supportive setting.

Family Martial Arts

Multi-generational classes designed for parents and children to train together. Builds family bonds through shared goals while teaching age-appropriate skills. Encourages mutual support, discipline, and creating lifelong martial arts habits in a fun, collaborative environment.

People

Hanshi Tadashi Yamashita

Founder

With over 60 years of martial arts expertise, Hanshi Yamashita holds 10th-degree black belts in Shorin-ryu Karate and Zen Okinawa Kobudo. He founded the Yamashita International Budo Association and has trained students worldwide since establishing his first dojo in 1967.

Sensei Kelly Tovey

Dojo Owner/Instructor

Certified instructor and dojo owner Shihan Kelly Tovey specializes in Shorin-ryu Karate and Suikendo. With decades of teaching experience, she creates welcoming environments for students of all ages while maintaining rigorous technical standards under Hanshi Yamashita's guidance.

Sensei Tim Roach

Instructor

Dojo owner Sensei Tim Roach brings extensive martial arts experience to Yamashita Martial Arts. He collaborates with Hanshi Yamashita and Sensei Tovey to deliver comprehensive training programs that balance tradition with modern practicality for diverse student needs.

Questions

What martial arts styles do you teach?

We teach Okinawan Shorin-ryu Karate, Matayoshi Kobudo (weapons), and Suikendo, a dynamic fighting system developed by Hanshi Yamashita.

Are classes available for all age groups?

Yes! We offer structured programs for kids, tweens, adults, and families with tailored curricula and private lesson options.

Do you focus on self-defense techniques?

Yes, our curriculum emphasizes practical self-defense skills integrated with traditional forms and modern combat strategies.

What experience do your instructors have?

Head instructor Sensei Kelly Tovey trains under 10th-degree black belt Hanshi Yamashita, who has over 60 years of global martial arts expertise.

Can I try a class before committing?

Yes, we encourage prospective students to visit and experience our welcoming environment and high-quality instruction firsthand.

Do you offer competitive training opportunities?

Yes, we prepare students for tournaments and demonstrations, including kata performances and sparring competitions.

Reviews (4)

Write a Review

Cloverwest

Jun 22, 2021 Report

Positive:Professionalism
Great studio! Ive been to four different studios and this is my favorite so far. The instructors are great and they do a good job, especially at sparring.

Guamboy Sablan

Feb 27, 2021 Report

Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
My son and I came here a year ago looking to grow our skills in the martial arts. Renshi Kelly, Shihan Tim and everyone at this studio are doing just that. The studio exudes a family atmosphere, and we are so blessed to be here. This is our "forever home" for karate.

Rize As Ault Bb

Sep 25, 2019 Report

Amazing....just amazing. You learn self-defense while developing a hobby. The instructors are awesome and friendly. This is coming from an 11 year old kid that learns here so take this as a first hand POV for your kids.

Dan Souther

Jan 23, 2018 Report

I was always told of the energy here and when Autumn my little Blk belt and I walked in we both looked at each other because we felt it. We both felt love and welcomed when we met with Sheehan Kelly and her family after so many yrs of not seeing them. I'm so glad Autumn wanted to continue to further her Karate goals here. Im so honered that Master Yamashita has such a diverse and loving family throughtout the valley and especially here at Yamashita Temecula. We are home!