Satsuma Dojo

I moved away from the valley, and after searching-​checking to continue practice, I just realized how good the dojo is. All the previous comments have said it all, «this is honestly as good as it gets», … It’s a non-​commercial true shotokan karate practice in a large ballroom gym with many competent, tolerant, kind and considerate high level sensei’s (all volunteer) for everyone (kid $ 20/​mo.) If you stumble to this website and live close enough to Sunnyvale and thinking about starting discipline training of any kind, check this out, Tues 7pm, Sat-​10am, you will not regret. Almost forgot, it’s fun and family feeling too. OSS to all Sensei’s.

My only martial arts experience as a younger lad was a few years of Taekwondo. Granted, the discipline was there and was a great way to build up fitness and confidence, Satsuma Dojo is hands down as traditional as it gets. Satsuma Dojo teaches traditional, Okinawan Shotokan Karate. Because of the popularity of this Dojo, memberships for new children are limited. As for adults who are already experienced in Shotokan Karate, contact the dojo via the internet and ask for a drop in visit to see if you would be a good fit. One class or session with Castellano Sensei and all the Sempais and you will know that this class keeps its core roots to maintaining the etiquette and discipline of traditional Japanese Karate. This isn’t your «McDojo» or an MMA, cage training center. It’s an art class (martial arts) that enriches you with culture and moves that can possibly save your life or at least end a bar fight ;)
OSS!

This is honestly as good as it gets for karate in this area. I only trained with them for the summer while my karate teacher was away but I loved this class. There are a lot of children and a lot of black belts. The teacher is a 7^th degree black belt and I am so happy I got to train with him while my sensei was away.

Castellano Sensei is definitely one of the best instructors of traditional Shotokan Karate in the area. Highly recommended. He not only possesses a high level of technical skill but also a gentle way of encouraging students to do their best, setting a fine example of how Karate should be done and how a person should live his (or her) life.

Founded by Shihan Isao Wada in the 1970’s. Classes taught by Kyoshi Jay Castellano.