Best Karate Classes near Buckeye, AZ

Here at Simba Dojo , we practice and teach Shotokan Karate. Shotokan is probably the most widely taught and politically involved family of karate systems. There are several associations of karate that maintain standards for ranking. We follow the curriculum as outlined by The Japan Karate Association . Japan Karate Association is the largest martial art organization in the world. We believe we are using the best curriculum to prepare you If you wish to test for your black belt with any of the major karate associations.

Though Tae Kwon Do (TKD) and Karate may share some of the same characteristics and have crossed lineages, they are two different martial arts. TKD is a Korean Martial Art, while Karate is from Japan. The traditions, language and focus of practice can be somewhat different. It is very easy to get them confused, and often martial arts clubs will take advantage of this confusion in their marketing strategies.

Simba Dojo does not set any limits to age. Each person is different and will have different abilities. Each practitioner should do a self-assessment and decide for themselves if they will benefit from the practice of karate. Though we may challenge our students to reach their greatest potential, we do not make you do anything you feel uncomfortable in doing. We welcome students of all ages!

Not necessarily. We do encourage everyone to wear a karate gi, but, while you are evaluating the class you may come to class in loose fitting clothes that you can work out in. We ask everyone be in a gi before your first belt testing.

If you earned a kyu or dan from the Japan Karate Association we will not dispute this. At Simba Dojo we follow the guidelines set forth by the JKA concerning rankings. This practice better prepares the student for testing with JKA for dan (black belt) ranks. If you earned belt rank from another Shotokan school, we do not take that from you, but we will have you start at the 10th kyu with us. We will then allow you to test out to your kyu potential at your first grading. So then, you have not wasted time and money at another school if you transfer over. If you were studying something other than Shotokan Karate, you will find there are some differences in the kata and training, but may seem to be somewhat familiar. This is because each family of karate systems have adopted certain kata from older systems and have changed it over time. After generations, the separate families who have trained in karate have evolved karate in slightly different directions. This is why we start everyone out in the 10 kyu though you may have intense experience in another school. Your previous training should excel you in the practice of karate at Simba Dojo and should never be considered wasted time and money.