Japan Karate-Do Federation

We’ve been coming here for about 5 years and the instruction and care has been top-​notch. Last year my oldest went with the team to the National Championships and won a 2^nd place medal for sparring. A really unforgettable experience and it would never have been possible without the amazing training and discipline that the dojo and sensei provide. Do yourself a favor and check it out.

I started training here in 1984 and trained until 2002. After taking a 6 year break from karate, I came back. Although I did start training at a dojo a rocks throw away from my home in Santa Ana, I soon realized that proximity and convenience do not and NEVER will supersede quality instruction and quality karate. Quality, traditional, numerous helpful and knowledgeable black belts are what you get with JKF in Mission Viejo. Not to mention a chief instructor who is ALWAYS there (unless he is violently ill and cannot make class).

I’ve known about this Dojo and the instructors for years, and have only heard amazing things about them. So when an opportunity came up to take a free self defense class I couldn’t think of a reason not to.
I was a little nervous since I’ve never been in a physical environment, ie gym, let alone a dojo before. As soon as I entered, Sensei Luisa immediately made me feel welcome and at ease. She walked us through VERY affective ways to protect our bodies and take down our potential attackers.
I am a 110lbs woman, and Sensei showed me how capable my body is in defending itself in ways I would have never realized. I learned that I don’t have to be the strongest as long as I am smart about how to use my body and the tools I do have.
By providing such an amazing course for free to first timers like myself, they are giving the community an invaluable service. And I cannot thank them enough.
I highly encourage taking some time out to attend their self defense class, and not just for you. Bring a friend, a loved one, anyone you care about. or don’t! Everyone deserves to know how to protect themselves.

We enrolled our children when they were 9 (daughter) and 4 ½ (son). The experience exceeded our expectation to simply have our kids learn the art of Karate. Shihan & Sensei Luisa instilled the values and discipline of respect, compassion and courage. My husband has been involved in martial arts most of his life, and was excited to start the kids on this journey. Yes, they learned the physical elements that helped them participate in competitions, win national championships and earn their black belts. However the most valuable lessons were not all physical. They learned to respect each other, their elders and most importantly themselves. Sensei Luisa, who led the young children, is a tough, no-​nonsense, honest, amazing woman. If you want your children to learn not only the art of self defense, but the art of being a better human being, I would highly recommend this wonderful family run dojo!

I started training at Japan Karate Do Federation when I was 9 years old and continued through my teen years. Shihan and Sensei Luisa Godshaw run an amazing Dojo. Sensei has sculpted the attitudes and understanding of importance of respect toward others of so many, myself included. Mr. and Mrs. Godshaw are amazing teachers, as well as amazing people at heart. As an adult, I can now say that being trained by Mrs. Godshaw as a kid, truly prepared me for so many obstacles as I got older; not just self defense, but also communication skills, confidence, manners, and how and why we treat others with respect. Sensei and Shihan trained me through years of going to nationals, and led me to becoming a national champion. They’re amazing instructors and incredibly knowledgeable about the art they teach. The Dojo has always been an amazing family, and although I no longer train there, every time I visit, I feel back at home. I absolutely would recommend ANYONE to join this family, especially kids. The younger the kids start, the sooner they pick up the good habits and mannerisms that Sensei enforces in each and every class she teaches.

Best dojo ever.

We love this dojo! I have both of my young boys training there and watch them grow stronger, more confident, more outgoing, more respectful and more loved. Sensei Luisa Godshaw is a loving and exceptional teacher! Everything she does and says to our children is out of love and passion for teaching them karate and so much more. She has inspired me so many times to be a better mother, woman and friend. The classes are fun, educational and worth the small amount if money they charge for so many hours they offer you or your child to come to class. The family that owns and operates this business is in it for their love of people and teaching. We are honored to be a part of this place and the wonderful memories and friends we have made there.

I started training at the Japan Karate-​Do Federation in the kids program when I was 10 yrs old and had to stop training at 18 to get back surgery for scoliosis which was devastating for me. I loved training so much & everyone there was my family. Now I am 30 with 2 kids of my own & can’t wait to put my kids in karate as well as start training again myself!
That review from Michelle J. was appalling & completely inaccurate! If you want to learn Respect, Camaraderie, Discipline, Dedication and Authentic martial arts, this is by far the best place to train hands down!

Although it’s been a few years since our kids practiced karate at this dojo, it was the BEST experience for them.
To this day, we still refer to the wonderfully amazing Sensei & the wisdom she imparted on us all– kids & parents. Lovely life lessons were shared on a regular basis. When you practice at this dojo, you feel a part of a «family».
It’s all about working hard & having respect, but at the same time she really connected with the kids and had a unique sense of humor. Shihan did as well– they truly make a great team in LIFE (not just in karate)!
I’m really hoping the kids will start up again soon– we all miss it! If not, maybe I should get myself on those mats. And FOR SURE, the baby will be starting up as soon as he is able.
Even though the kids weren’t fans of the testing & tournaments, it’s just part of the sport & gave them confidence & pride.

i had trained at this school for a few years as a kid in the late 80’s and to see that they are still around and strong is a true sign of a great school.
highly recommended for those that want a solid foundation in the fundamentals of martial arts.

If you are looking for a traditional, legitimate martial arts experience the JKF is hard to beat. Lead by the Chief Instructo Shihan Paul Godshaw, the Japan Karate-​do Federation has been teaching traditional Japanese martial arts for 30 years. You will find the highest level of instruction given in a intense but encouraging environment.
Some key highlights of the JKF
— No contracts (You can go month to month and not be tied into a long-​term contract)
— Very experienced and knowledgeable instructors (Instructors have a minimum of 15 years of training and are all certified through the JKF instructor’s program)
— Everyone one is welcome regardless of age or athletic experience.
(New students range in age from 5 to 65 years old)
— Divided classes allow for level appropriate instruction
— Classes held both at noon and in the evening to make it easy to fir into most schedules. Also classes are held 6 days a week for student’s benefit
— The JKF has over 40 active black belts that participate in class and also aid in the instruction of class to give new students more personalized instruction.
There is a open seating area in the dojo so feel free to drop in to any scheduled class and watch to see if the JKF is right for you.
For more information you ca visit the JKF website @