Karate of LA

Business Details

Your Trusted Karate School in Los Angeles

Karate of LA is a traditional Goju-Ryu Seiwa-Kai karate dojo dedicated to empowering individuals through disciplined martial arts training. With over 50 years of combined experience from our lead professionals, we offer structured classes for all ages and skill levels, from preschoolers to adults. Our curriculum emphasizes technical precision, self-defense mastery, and character development, fostering lifelong benefits like focus, confidence, and physical fitness. Our globally recognized instructors, including 8th Dan Shihan Vassie Naidoo, bring decades of expertise from Japan and international competitions. We prioritize personalized growth within a supportive community, ensuring every student builds foundational skills while achieving personal goals.

Our free trial week allows newcomers to experience our authentic approach to karate, rooted in tradition yet adaptable to modern needs. Through kata, kumite, and kihon, we cultivate mental resilience and physical strength, preparing students for real-world challenges. Our dojo serves as both a training ground and a family-like environment where respect, perseverance, and teamwork thrive. With flexible scheduling and private training options, we accommodate diverse learning preferences while maintaining rigorous standards. Our commitment to quality instruction has earned recognition from students worldwide, including industry professionals and long-time martial artists.

Services

Preschool KICK Crew Elementary KICK Crew Teen KICK Crew Adult Karate Classes Private Training

Highlights and features

We offer free trial classes for all age groups
Our instructors include 8th Dan Shihan Vassie Naidoo
We teach authentic Goju-Ryu Seiwa-Kai techniques
Our curriculum builds lifelong discipline and focus
We provide private training with world-renowned instructors

What people say

Expert instructors Supportive community Effective self-defense Improved discipline Family-friendly environment

Website

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Services

Preschool KICK Crew

This program introduces preschoolers to basic karate movements and kata through engaging games. Students develop self-control, focus, and teamwork while learning introductory self-defense skills. The supportive group environment encourages social interaction and builds confidence through structured physical activity.

Elementary KICK Crew

Designed for elementary students, this class teaches fundamental karate techniques, kata, and sparring. Students improve discipline, focus, and physical coordination while gaining practical self-defense abilities. The curriculum adapts to individual skill levels, fostering personal growth and confidence in academic and social settings.

Teen KICK Crew

This advanced program focuses on mastering complex kata and sparring techniques for teens. Students develop physical strength, mental discipline, and self-defense proficiency through challenging workouts. The group setting promotes leadership skills while emphasizing personal responsibility and perseverance.

Adult Karate Classes

Traditional Goju-Ryu Seiwa-Kai training for adults builds core strength, flexibility, and self-defense capabilities. Classes cover kihon (basics), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring) to improve physical fitness and mental focus. The curriculum emphasizes stress reduction and character development through disciplined practice.

Private Training

One-on-one sessions with Shihan Vassie Naidoo provide personalized technique refinement for all skill levels. Private training focuses on improving stances, kata precision, and sparring effectiveness. This option allows customized instruction for specific goals or health-related training adaptations.

People

Shihan Vassie Naidoo

Chief Instructor

8th Dan black belt and founder of Karate of LA with 50 years of experience. Vice President of Seiwa-Kai International, teaching traditional Goju-Ryu techniques to students worldwide.

Sensei James Daly

Senior Instructor

7th Dan black belt with 30 years of experience under Shihan Naidoo. Specializes in practical self-defense techniques and street-style applications of Goju-Ryu karate.

Sensei Edison Valente

Instructor

6th Dan black belt with 25 years of experience. Combines Aikido principles with karate techniques, focusing on technical kata instruction and weapons-based self-defense training.

Senpai Krishan Narayan

Instructor

5th Dan black belt trained since age 5. Specializes in kumite techniques and has extensive experience teaching both children and adult karate classes.

Senpai John Dean

Instructor

5th Dan black belt with 26 years of experience. Teaches all age groups with expertise in kata forms and child development through martial arts training.

Questions

What is Karate of LA's free trial program?

We offer a free trial week with unlimited access to all group classes. No commitment required to experience our traditional karate instruction.

What age groups do you teach?

We provide classes for children starting at age 4, teens, and adults. Private training is available for all age groups.

What benefits does karate training provide?

Our program builds self-defense skills, physical fitness, mental focus, discipline, and confidence through traditional Goju-Ryu techniques.

Who are your lead instructors?

Chief Instructor Shihan Vassie Naidoo (8th Dan) and senior instructors with 25-30 years of experience teach all classes and private sessions.

Do you offer private karate lessons?

Yes, private training sessions with Shihan Vassie Naidoo are available for personalized instruction and technique refinement.

What makes your dojo unique?

We combine authentic Japanese Goju-Ryu tradition with modern teaching methods, emphasizing technical precision and character development in a supportive environment.

Reviews (4)

Write a Review

MegaDude E.

Dec 09, 2021 Report

I have been training with sensei vassie for over 26 years and love every minute of it the fact that he is the only person outside of japan in this style with the highest rank does wonders for his teaching and when I'm training with him it's like I am being trained by the traditional masters in japan and yet he is so very humble worth a try if you want to better yourself and better your life

Reverend James Daly

Nov 18, 2021 Report

This is a wonderful school to learn karate. Sensei Vassie is an Amazing teacher. He is also outstanding with children. I have never seen anyone with the ability to teach kids of all ages so well.

Dan

Nov 16, 2021 Report

Positive:Professionalism,Quality
A great place to learn traditional karate taught by a great instructor.

Levon Danielyants

Nov 12, 2021 Report

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 find friends and be treated as a family member regardless of gender, age, and experience.